Mike's Reel Repair

CaptEdNJ · fry Joined: 21 May 2010 Posts: 8

Hello,

My name's Ed, and this is my first post on this forum.

I've been into both freshwater and saltwater fishing for almost 40 years now, and, well, I can safely say that I've abused, and repaired, my share of tackle in that time.

I have three older Ambassadeurs; A pair of 5600 ALs that date back to 1980 or thereabouts, and an Abassadeur Six that I picked up in 1989.

The two 5600s have seen more than their fair share of action over the last thirty years. One has lost the level-wind drive teeth on its cog-wheel gear, and the other suffered a bent handle and star-drag wheel due to being dropped. My original plan was to cannibalize one to repair the other, but after perusing the site, and seeing that parts were still available for that model, I'm more inclined to repair both of them.

BTW, The Six is still pristine.

My questions are:

1) Are the 5600s worth repairing?

2) If so, what should I look out for?

3) Should I replace the springs on the bridge piece as part of my overhaul?

4) What upgrades should I consider for these reels?

Ken D · Posted: Sat May 22, 2010 10:55 am Post subject:

Hi, Ed, Welcome.

Yes, the AL's are easy to do, and hardly spendy at all. If the frames and sideplates are sound, the worn internals will come to a mere pittance. About the only caveat is to ensure you have the reel in casting mode as you reassemble, to allow the pin on the thumb-bar to operate properly.

Place reel in casting mode, with a small screwdriver in the little crescent - shaped hole where the thumb-bar pin would fit. It may seem awkward, but it will be easy enough to do.

If the reel goes in and out of reel and cast mode, no need to change the springs.

Upgrade: ceramic line pawls. Forget doing the drag washers, stick with stock.
Possible upgrade: losing the bushings in favour of ball bearings. I say possible because I
don't know what the axle diameter of the AL spool is.... if it's the off-size of 3.2 MM, and not 3 mm, then the bearings are about 20.00 each, instead of 1.49, if the axle was 3mm.

Good fixing and fishing. Kennie Dee
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CaptEdNJ · fry Joined: 21 May 2010 Posts: 8

Thanks for the advice, Ken.

I have another issue; One of 5600s has a bent handle, and both knobs on the other are quite lose on the other (that reel has probably taken well over 1,000 bluefish, stripers, and weakfish during its lifetime!). I've been looking into replacing them both with something other than the original round-style (which are only good for causing blisters, IMO).

The problem is that they both use the countersunk-style handle, like the one mentioned here. Anyone have any ideas, short of getting a machine shop to mill one down?

Ken D · Posted: Mon May 24, 2010 2:06 am Post subject:

Hio, Ed.....About the only thing **from memory** would be the smaller power handles used on the 60's/70's 2500, 5500, and 6000's.
They are single paddle, but flatted, not rounded. I will rummage through some schematics, when I get a chance, to come up with part nos.
There _used_ to be gray, red, green, and gold. KD.

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CaptEdNJ · fry Joined: 21 May 2010 Posts: 8

Ken,

Thank you once again. I borrowed a power handle from a friend's reel, and verified that this particular reel does not require a countersunk handle.

You were also spot on with your assesment regarding the shaft bearings. Oh, and just in case you were curious, the reel foot stamping number is 800900

Ken D · Posted: Mon May 24, 2010 6:55 pm Post subject:

Good to know, Ed, RE: the hdle. I'd located the AL schematic between posts, and noticed it's one of ye olde 975 style, where all the part nos are 975XXX. Most of these 957 numbers cross to later style part nos.

Should the axle diameter be off-size, it's not hard to bring them down to 3 mm. I have them done by a retired machinist, as I'm not in possesion of a lathe. It can be done freehand in a drill, with sandpaper, and a file, but it takes longer. Total accuracy's no biggie, as the shaft will sit in a bearing, and if it's not too loose.

If the diameter's on-size, then it's bada-boom.
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CaptEdNJ · fry Joined: 21 May 2010 Posts: 8

Took the old 5600 out striper fishing today......not bad for a 30 year old reel, mounted on a 30 year old rod (Fenwick popping rod). Had an exceptional day, two of us caught over thirty 15-25 lb stripers, released all but two.