Found this Abu reel at the flea market yesterday and paid 35 dollars for it (It felt like I got a good deal). I don't know much about it; regardless, it seems to be in good condition but will need some TLC to be really nice. Everything seems to be functioning correctly as is, so I plan to take it out a few times before I break it open.
I have done some research on this forums on how to go about upgrading reels but would still appreciate any inputs regarding this specific one. I look forward to this being my first official venture into reel maintenance/upgrading. I also found and old Penn Peerless no. 9 for 16 bucks... I'm good now, I think I have all the reels I need.
You picked an easy reel to start on.Find the right schematic with the correct foot number for your reel. A set of greased CF drag washers is pretty much all you'd need for this reel.
Good luck.
Quote from: Lunker Larry on October 19, 2015, 11:39:53 PM
You picked an easy reel to start on.Find the right schematic with the correct foot number for your reel. A set of greased CF drag washers is pretty much all you'd need for this reel.
Good luck.
Will do. I took it out for a spin tonight and it is a very nice reel. Casted out with no problems. I was hoping to hook into a nice red but no go. I can see this reel quickly becoming one of my favorites already. Besides the CF washers, I just need to get it nice and clean and I think a better handle is in order. Thanks for the advise LL.
I am having a lot of trouble finding the schematic for this reel. I tried searching Abu Garcia online database but no luck. The foot number is 01 02-04,
This is the only one they list for a 7500.
http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/content/purefishing/Abu%20Garcia/Schematics/7500CT%200700.pdf
I don't know about others, but there are times I can't find the exact schematic for the older reels. Sometimes you have to open them up and compare them to a similar reel. Here's a few schematics.
http://www.mikesreelrepair.com/schematics/thumbnails.php?search=Ambassadeur+7000&submit=search&album=search&title=on&newer_than=&caption=on&older_than=&keywords=on&type=AND
Quote from: Lunker Larry on October 20, 2015, 06:25:59 PM
I don't know about others, but there are times I can't find the exact schematic for the older reels. Sometimes you have to open them up and compare them to a similar reel. Here's a few schematics.
http://www.mikesreelrepair.com/schematics/thumbnails.php?search=Ambassadeur+7000&submit=search&album=search&title=on&newer_than=&caption=on&older_than=&keywords=on&type=AND
Thanks, I did a little digging around and as I understand it; the Ambassadeur 7000 is basically the same reel as the 7500c except that the 7000 has brass bushings where a 7500c, has ball bearings. Other than that, the side plate covers are obviously different. The more I look into this reel, the better I feel about paying 35 bucks for it. I was only able to find a couple other pictures of my exact reel model on the internet. And it seems they are all in Europe. I can't wait to get it all cleaned up.
Assuming you get it clean as you want to, any functional Made in Sweden Abu is worth $35 in my book. That size of Abu (though now with 2+1AR bearing) new will run you close to two bills if not more, depending on configuration. I saw a Wild Blue Yonder 7500 a couple weeks back north of $250.
i work on so few of those that i can never remember how the left side clicker assembly goes back together. :-\
Ceramic hybrid bearings and Carbontex drags and you will set!
Quote from: handi2 on October 20, 2015, 10:27:32 PM
Ceramic hybrid bearings and Carbontex drags and you will set!
On my way to the Google machine to research ceramic hybrid bearings. Hopefully I can find a place to order both the CF drag and the ceramic bearings.
Measure/mic your bearings and go to bocabearings.com then go to smoothdrag.com and order your drag washers there (Dawn is a sweet heart).
Leo
Quote from: LTM on October 21, 2015, 01:38:22 AM
Measure/mic your bearings and go to bocabearings.com then go to smoothdrag.com and order your drag washers there (Dawn is a sweet heart).
Leo
Will do. Thanks for the tip.
Took the left plate off just to see what I'm working with. A bit of old grease in there but I'm happy with my findings so far. It's polishing nicely too.
Oh yeah.....buy at $35 all dang day...all they have.
On my Ambassadeurs I lose the level wind - It will cast better without. Check the bearings if ok oil with tsi321/301 - if not ok goto Boca and replace. Greased CF drags for sure. I can't remember if the 7500c is auto or manual engage. If it's auto (when the handle is turned) be careful of unbalaced power handles - they can cause the spool to engage mid-cast - ping ;)
Quote from: weather_man on October 19, 2015, 06:03:35 PM
I'm good now, I think I have all the reels I need.
yep.. good memories
why? I remember the day I said that to myself too... but each year I add few reels to my collection because I "need them"..
Quote from: steelfish on October 22, 2015, 01:21:41 AM
Quote from: weather_man on October 19, 2015, 06:03:35 PM
I'm good now, I think I have all the reels I need.
yep.. good memories
why? I remember the day I said that to myself too... but each year I add few reels to my collection because I "need them"..
Yeah, I can see how that could happen. I don't know if I could resist another Ambassadeur or Penn if I happened on one at the swap meet. What I do need now are some rods.
Bhahhahahhah that's how it starts. You're rid hunting and see another 7500 for $25 this time...you think you can say no, but then you rationalize that it's a good deal and someone else might need it. But you don't sell. You are now hunting two rods. :)
Quote from: thorhammer on October 22, 2015, 12:25:36 PM
Bhahhahahhah that's how it starts. You're rid hunting and see another 7500 for $25 this time...you think you can say no, but then you rationalize that it's a good deal and someone else might need it. But you don't sell. You are now hunting two rods. :)
That's funny man. I have been down that rabbit hole before.
Super nice reel, I had the 7000 at one time.
Taking it out today and see if I can hook onto a bull red or something.
Quote from: weather_man on October 23, 2015, 06:09:25 PM
Quote from: thorhammer on October 22, 2015, 12:25:36 PM
Bhahhahahhah that's how it starts. You're rid hunting and see another 7500 for $25 this time...you think you can say no, but then you rationalize that it's a good deal and someone else might need it. But you don't sell. You are now hunting two rods. :)
That's funny man. I have been down that rabbit hole before.
I'm still down here in the hole stop by for a beer. :)
Started cleaning my 7500 and everything was going smooth but I have two problems.
First, when I reinstall the handle; if I tighten it down, I can't move the drag.. Too loose and it has a lot of play. Any suggestions?
Second, both my bearings look like poop.
The bearing size should be 4x10x4. Pm me your address and I'll send you some ABEC7's. I should also have the Carbontex drag set too if you need it.
Keith
Quote from: handi2 on October 30, 2015, 12:05:53 AM
The bearing size should be 4x10x4. Pm me your address and I'll send you some ABEC7's. I should also have the Carbontex drag set too if you need it.
Keith
Wow! You guys are awesome on this forums!
I was able to clean the bearings for now but will need to be replaced.
Figured out my drag star/handle problem was I had the plastic sleeve upside down. That wasn't letting the drag go as far down as it needs to clear the shoulder.
The 7500 is actually the high speed version of the old 7000 so much better for spinning pelagics.
Carbontex drag washers always are a good improvement for ABUs.
Another nice touch I did on mine is replace the handle with one from the latest Chinese model.
Better feel and slightly more leverage.
Good buying.
~
I picked up a 7500C on eBay. There is something a bit unusual about it. The gears won't engage unless I tighten up the spool tension enough to remove side play. Any ideas as to why this is occurring? Is it anything to worry about? It seems to work alright under fishing conditions.