Ambassadeur 1500C (07-00 Gold)

Overhaul Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 1500C (07-00 Gold)

The Ambassadeur 1500C (07-00 Gold) is a high-precision, small-stature masterpiece. As a "Gold" edition with the 07-00 designation, this reel is often a collector’s centerpieces but remains one of the most capable ultra-light casting reels ever made. Due to its small components and fine tolerances, using high-viscosity or low-quality lubricants will significantly "choke" its performance.

Required Maintenance Kit

• Screwdrivers: Precision flathead (essential for preventing marring on gold-plated screws).

• Wrench: 10mm brass or padded wrench for the handle nut.

• Cleaning Agent: Specialized reel cleaner or high-purity isopropyl alcohol.

• Lubrication: Deuthlon Reel Gear Grease and Deuthlon Cast Lube (Reel Oil).

1. Disassembly and Delicate Handling

1. Protective Measures: Since this is a Gold edition, use a soft cloth or specialized tape on your tool tips to avoid scratching the plating.

2. Handle Side: Remove the handle nut cap screw, the nut, and the handle. Take care when removing the star drag; there is a small spring washer underneath that provides the tension.

3. Side Plate Removal: Loosen the three knurled gold screws. Pull the right side plate (drive side) away from the frame.

4. Spool Extraction: Gently slide the spool out. On the 1500C, the spool shaft is integrated with the spool. Be careful not to bend this shaft.

2. Cleaning the Ultra-Light Components

Small reels are hypersensitive to debris. Even a single hair or a speck of sand in the 1500C’s gears will be felt through the handle.

• Bearings: The 1500C features two high-quality spool bearings. Soak these in cleaner, spin them to ensure they are free of grit, and blow dry with low-pressure air.

• Drive Train: Clean the main gear and pinion gear thoroughly. Ensure the "teeth" of the gears are free from old, oxidized grease.

• Level Wind: Remove the worm gear and pawl. This area is a magnet for "gunk" which can stall the light spool of the 1500C.

3. Precision Lubrication with Deuthlon

To maintain the "Swiss watch" feel of the 1500C, the choice of lubricant is paramount.

Deuthlon Reel Gear Grease:

• Main and Pinion Gears: Apply a very light coat of Deuthlon Reel Gear Grease using a fine brush. Because the 1500C has smaller gear teeth than the 5000 series, you need a grease that provides high film strength without adding rotational resistance.

• Clutch and Cam: Apply grease to the kick lever and the sliding surfaces of the clutch. This ensures the thumb bar operation remains "clicky" and responsive.

Deuthlon Reel Oil (Cast Lube):

• Spool Bearings: This is the most critical step. Apply one drop of Deuthlon Reel Oil to each bearing. This oil is designed to reduce start-up inertia, which is vital for casting the light lures typically used with a 1500C.

• Worm Shaft: Apply a light film of oil (rather than grease) if you prioritize maximum casting distance, or a tiny amount of Deuthlon grease if you prioritize longevity and smoothness.

• Spool Shaft ends: A micro-drop where the shaft contacts the tension shims.

4. Reassembly and Calibration

1. Level Wind Alignment: Reinstall the worm gear, ensuring the line guide carriage tracks smoothly across the frame.

2. The Drag Stack: Reassemble the drag washers. For the 1500C, ensure they are seated flat; any misalignment will cause an erratic drag pull.

3. Spool Seating: Slide the spool back into the frame. Ensure the centrifugal brake blocks are seated on their pins so they don't get crushed when the side plate is tightened.

4. Side Plate: Reattach the gold side plate. Tighten the three thumb screws evenly to ensure the spool remains centered.

Performance Optimization

The Ambassadeur 1500C (07-00 Gold) is prized for its ability to cast lures as light as 2-3 grams. By using Deuthlon Cast Lube, you reduce the friction coefficient of the bearings to nearly zero, allowing the spool to spin up faster with less effort. Regular maintenance with these specific lubricants will ensure the gold plating remains the only thing "old" about the reel, while the performance remains modern.