The 5000D is actually new to me...I never had one. Don't even remember seeing them around when I was a kid. Everybody's dad had a red 5000, we had the black C models and later loved the 5500 and 6500 Cs, but the D just wasn't popular in my neck of the woods. Judging by what I've read on forums they weren't very popular anywhere. After getting my mitts on one I'm having a hard time believing this. The design fits Largemouth Bass fishing perfectly. The only thing I don't get is that tiny coin edged drag wheel...seriously...who thought up that mess?? The first pic is the eBay special I grabbed to start this project.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1969/30469202027_40885eeaf5_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/NqsCer)
Taking the reel apart revealed a few surprises, like the spool bushings. Since the previous C models had ball bearings, this seems like a step backward. This doesn't really concern me, as I get equal results from bushings as bearings, but the masses would have a tissy over this.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1937/44494637585_f5da5fa2c0_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2aMQDzT)
Taking a closer look, there was a lot of grime on the bridge, and there appeared to be surface rust on the stand, but I think these things will clean up fine. The drive system is very interesting...much different compared to most reels. Note the drive gear is keyed to the drive shaft and the click wheel is what slips under drag. This leaves the handle spinning backward as a fish peels line, possibly the inspiration for the drag wheel, but I'd still prefer a star.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1932/31533891198_5316086153_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Q3xreh)
Ahh...nice clean parts! That bridge and stand shined up nicely. You'll note I'm changing the drag to greased carbon fiber, so lets take a closer look at the drag stack components.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1974/44494637135_044b10c0b7_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2aMQDs8)
The photo below shows the original drag stack. A single hard phenolic washer between the gear and the click wheel. Also a bronze washer between the click wheel and drive shaft. Not much to offer strong braking power there.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1967/31533890538_d52efe81e1_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Q3xr2U)
I trimmed a Penn #6-155 HT 100 to fit inside the bottom of the click wheel. Used another one between the click wheel and drive gear. Not sure if I notice any power increase, but it's silky smooth. Also note that main gear...appears to be a bronze bushing inside it. Maybe as a deterrent to electrolysis since the gear never spins on the shaft?
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1947/44494636625_e76c5ab989_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2aMQDik)
The handle pictured below is not stock, and I know I've seen them before, but I can't find any info anywhere. If someone knows anything about these Ranger handles, please sound off.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1980/31533889868_efb3627bb2_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Q3xqQm)
I thought all parts were accounted for on this reel, but upon reassembly I noticed I had no end screw for the drive shaft.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1978/31533889378_e266087e49_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Q3xqFU)
On the left is the stock screw. On the right is a sub I scrounged up.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1925/44494636295_648b860f3b_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2aMQDcD)
All finished and spooled with hi-vis Trilene Big Game 20lb., this dude is ready to go cat fishing. That's right...the perfect bass fishing reel...is going cat fishing. I love bending the rules! 8)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1936/31533888648_0ec64b5379_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Q3xqtj)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1937/30468977107_c5e6526469_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Nqrtnv)
Quote from: mo65 on October 18, 2018, 05:59:33 PM
............. That's right...the perfect bass fishing reel...is going cat fishing. I love bending the rules! 8)
your such a renegade bandit !! ;D ;D
nice work the little toy, compadre, Im an avid abu ambassadeur fanboy too
Good work, Mike!
If any other parts are needed, just let me know so I could send a few your way.
Most ABU round baitcaster parts are pretty standard.
And they do wear out — particularly shims, bushings, or missing parts.
Best,
Fred
Mo,
You always amaze me at how sparkling clean you can get everything! What's your secret?
Nice reel!! 8)
That's some pretty work, Mo! I have one I got from Pops 30 years ago and never was real sure what to do with it....seems like a good flounder drifting reel like a 109, the only thing I would use a reel with DD for. I think i have a stock handle you are welcome to, because I know there is NO WAY Fred Oakes has an Abu stock handle in that little stash of parts ;D ;D ;D, but I like the white....ole skool...(my Abu parts box consists of some shims and a dozen handles I swapped for power handles lol).
Quote from: xjchad on October 18, 2018, 07:13:29 PM
You always amaze me at how sparkling clean you can get everything! What's your secret?
It's the same simple formula I've posted about many times Chad. Just plain old warm water, dish soap, baking soda, and a toothbrush.
Quote from: thorhammer on October 18, 2018, 07:29:23 PM
I have one I got from Pops 30 years ago and never was real sure what to do with it....seems like a good flounder drifting reel like a 109, the only thing I would use a reel with DD for.
This one isn't truly a direct drive John. It disengages the handle when the button is pushed just like a regular freespool. It's sort of a hybrid direct drive.
Very interesting drag knob, I kinda like the idea a that. Is it easy to torque down n' back out?
I'll take bushings on the spool anyday. Wonder what the D stands for, C = b.bearings...
"Ja, dat's a ole skool reel for sure".
The 5000D (and 4000D) were veery popular among steelhead fishermen in the Pacific Northwest.
D = Direct drive - Drag works only when your hand is off the handle grips. (For example 5000D)
Best,
Fred
Quote from: Gfish on October 18, 2018, 09:45:59 PM
Very interesting drag knob, I kinda like the idea a that. Is it easy to torque down n' back out?
That is my biggest complaint with it G...I actually cut my finger trying to tighten it down...it's very stiff. Now I
really know why I love to put larger drag stars on my reels. The larger the wheel, the easier it is to turn.
If anyone has a tip on how to get the drag wheel to turn easier I'd be much obliged. I tried putting a delrin washer under it, but that was a bust. It's not a matter of friction making it stiff. It's because there is no leverage. Ask those old salts why they put a wrench over the star when torquing it down. 8)
Quote from: foakes on October 18, 2018, 06:43:17 PM
Most ABU round baitcaster parts are pretty standard.
Indeed Fred...you've got me thinking. Maybe the answer is to simply relace the drag
wheel with an ABU drag
star. I'll bet it would screw right on! :o
Cool Mo! I've never actually seen one of these except for online. Always wondered what that drag system's design looked like. What I'm seeing looks like the gears are always in direct drive, so I believe the handle turns knuckle-buster when drag is being pulled, right?
Since only the anti-reverse holds the drag disks, (none found in the drive gear) the drag only engages when the AR is engaged. So simple, it's brilliant! Hope I got it right???
Nice work and great pics.
Quote from: nelz on October 18, 2018, 11:36:39 PM
What I'm seeing looks like the gears are always in direct drive, so I believe the handle turns knuckle-buster when drag is being pulled, right?
Since only the anti-reverse holds the drag disks, (none found in the drive gear) the drag only engages when the AR is engaged?
Correct Nelz, I believe it will work great for catfishing, where drag is usually only pulled in short bursts. Hooking a big tuna on one of these reels might leave you bleeding though. :D
Did you notice the main on this reel is not shiny at all?(like that 5000c I rebuilt) It looks like pot metal, but is definitely steel, I did the magnet test this time! 8)
Hey, speaking of catfishing, I just got back from a trip to Alabama. One thing I wanted to do while there was catch a big catfish, (never caught a cat before). Even threw a little Penn 930 I just refurbished into my suitcase to catch it on (borrowed a pole). Well low and behold, just take a look at my new avatar... scratch that off my bucket-list!
That's a new one on me Mo. So, the AR dog engages with the click wheel, right? Star or no star, you better have the drag set just right before hooking into that monster. When something is pulling drag you would have to either stop the spool with your thumb or get it out of gear before you can grab the handle to make any drag adjustment. Pretty weird.
Chad, I think Mo's secret is his photography. He can make anything look good.
-steve
You're a baaad man , mo.
Frank
I had one too. I think it was my first or second Ambassadeur. I didn't really understand the D function and changed it regular function somehow. I remember boring out the main gear; I think it was aluminum.
I also made nice rounded oak wood sideplates and a custom handle for it, along with a larger diameter knurled drag knob. Kind of sacreligious I realize now, but didn't know better at the time. Fished with it a lot though, and enjoyed it.
It was later stolen in a burglary at my shop, so I don't have it any longer. Lemme know if anyone sees it out there.
.
I solved that pesky drag wheel problem. I bought a NOS Ambassadeur drag star. Had to adjust the spacing a bit, but now you can easily adjust the drag with your fingers, the way God intended. ;D
Looks great now Mike, thanks for showing us, cheers Don.
You are correct, Mike, it would make a great LMB reel because that's what they were specifically designed for. Evidently they weren't overly popular because they were only made from 1974-77.
(http://alantani.com/gallery/26/17004_12_12_18_8_32_15_266381551.jpeg)
There is no anti-reverse built into the mechanism. The handle spins in reverse whenever line is taken out by a big fish, although, if one really feels the need a simple push of the freespool button allows line to be paid out without, or with thumb, tension (probably a bad idea in snag prone areas). When not in freespool the drag setting determines how freely line is dispersed on those types of runs. The reason why they didn't incorporate a star is because, when used as designed, the star would be cumbersome by smacking one's hand and it would just be getting in the way of easy adjustment. It was thought to be much simpler to adjust drag tension on bigger bass by turning the knurled brake bushing using ones thumb. Quite an interesting design. ::)
The original handle screw has a hole all the way through the center to allow easy oiling of the shaft. You may want to think about drilling one through your replacement for that same reason.
There were two different 5000D colors made. One was Green like the one shown above and the other was Champagne/Gold. The 5000D Champagne/Gold model was produced in limited quantities for one month in 1974 exclusively to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Gamble–Skogmo Department Stores headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. All Champagne/Gold reels were produced with a unique serial number, 741100, which is found on the bottom of the dimpled foot. They are considered rather rare.
I was pretty lucky last weekend and found this little piggy standing in the corner in an Antique Store. She had clearly (visual & scent) been used as a catfish reel. ;D
(http://alantani.com/gallery/26/17004_12_12_18_8_33_09_266401120.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/26/17004_12_12_18_8_33_08_26639711.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/26/17004_12_12_18_8_33_12_266411710.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/26/17004_12_12_18_8_33_12_266412051.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/26/17004_12_12_18_8_33_15_266432146.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/26/17004_12_12_18_8_33_15_266432467.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/26/17004_12_12_18_8_33_19_266461315.jpeg)
While I didn't completely disassemble & service her I did take her apart just enough to give her a decent bath. She cleaned up very nicely.
(http://alantani.com/gallery/26/17004_12_12_18_8_33_18_266451041.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/26/17004_12_12_18_8_33_21_266471864.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/26/17004_12_12_18_8_33_25_266481508.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/26/17004_12_12_18_8_33_27_26650924.jpeg)
I'll probably end up selling her since I don't collect or use bait casters.
wow,
that doesnt even look like the same reel!!! great clean-up ;D
Brett
Nice one Tommy.
Those Ranger after-market handles are sort of a puzzle. It seems that some new Ambassadeurs sold through Garcia in the US came with an after-market handle right out of the box.
-steve
Wow Tommy, that is a beauty! Who'd've thought under that mess! Never seen gold (champagne) plates on this reel, I wonder if they are rare?
Quote from: oc1 on December 13, 2018, 07:46:46 PM
Those Ranger after-market handles are sort of a puzzle. It seems that some new Ambassadeurs sold through Garcia in the US came with an after-market handle right out of the box.
Yes...the Ranger mystery endures. It's actually a really nice feeling handle.
Quote from: nelz on December 13, 2018, 09:30:58 PM
Never seen gold (champagne) plates on this reel, I wonder if they are rare?
YES...rare is an understatement. Leave it up to Tommy to trump my little D model with a needle in a haystack...hee hee...what a find! I don't know Tom...that might be the perfect opening piece for a casting collection. Congrats on a great find!
Quote from: mo65 on December 14, 2018, 12:08:13 AM
Quote from: nelz on December 13, 2018, 09:30:58 PM
Never seen gold (champagne) plates on this reel, I wonder if they are rare?
YES...rare is an understatement. Leave it up to Tommy to trump my little D model with a needle in a haystack...hee hee...what a find! I don't know Tom...that might be the perfect opening piece for a casting collection. Congrats on a great find!
Well.... ::) ....It has already found a new home. ??? Only the second reel I have ever broken down and sold :o , and both of them were Ambassadeur casting reels. ;D
WOW! A gold 5000D! Now I know what to look for.
I stopped looking at green 5000D reels after I realized that I liked how the star worked better than the knurled knob on the 5000D I had refurbished, back about 20 years ago.
I purchased a box full of the older reels and there is one or two of those reels including. The person I bought them from is a vintage lure collector. He called a few days ago to bring me more reels.
I will post some pictures when I can.
Keith
5000D, I think I have four of them. Will round them up and take a photo.
I use them for Salmon Mooching here in WA State, on the Straits of Juan de Fuca.
Think "bait feeding": When a Chinook first taps the plug cut herring, often the fish lets the bait go and circles back. Being able to feed the bait by turning the handle backwards simulates a fleeing injured herring and the Chinook will take the bait. The Penn 109 works the same way and was a popular Salmon Mooching Reel when I first started Salmon Fishing on the Straits way back in 1978. Much better control and feel than free spooling the regular type reel.
5000D reels were also used by Steelhead fishermen in my area. Drifting a lure along the bottom, you had good control of the lure in the river current and as your hand was at the ready on the reel handle feeding line, when a tap was felt just reel fast in the retrieve direction.
The small drag adjuster on the D was no problem, as I always pre set the drag and left it alone. Plus no star wheel to get in the way!
I have a 6000 that has a conversion to direct drive, I will try to post a photo of it also.