Ambassadeur 5000B (1969)

Restoration and Care: 1969 Ambassadeur 5000B Service Manual

The 1969 Ambassadeur 5000B is a legendary piece of angling history, distinguished from the standard 5000 by its inclusion of a clicker (bait alarm) and its iconic smooth, four-screw side plate design. As a vintage 1960s model, the 5000B relies on precise mechanical tolerances that modern synthetic lubricants can significantly enhance.

To preserve the integrity of this classic and ensure its operation remains as smooth as the day it left Sweden, we recommend a full service using Deuthlon Reel Oil and Deuthlon Reel Grease.

Step 1: Component Breakdown and Preparation

Servicing a reel from 1969 requires a gentle touch to avoid marring the vintage screws or the anodized finish.

1. Disassemble: Remove the handle nut, handle, and star drag. Carefully unscrew the side plate screws to access the internal gear bridge.

2. Solvent Clean: Vintage reels often suffer from "varnished" grease—old lubricants that have hardened into a waxy substance. Use a degreaser to strip the main gear, pinion, and worm shaft until they are bare metal.

3. The Clicker Mechanism: Ensure the clicker spring and tongue are free of debris. This is a defining feature of the 5000B and should be treated with care.

Step 2: High-Pressure Lubrication (Grease)

The heavy-duty lifting in a 1969 Ambassadeur is done by the brass and steel gear set. These parts require a lubricant that won't "squeeze out" under the pressure of a heavy fish.

• Main and Pinion Gears: Apply Deuthlon Reel Grease to the teeth of the main gear. This grease is engineered with superior adhesion properties, creating a "cushion" between the gear teeth that eliminates the "toothy" feel common in older reels.

• Drag Stack: Apply a very light coating of Deuthlon Reel Grease to the drag washers if they are carbon fiber; if they are original leather or felt, ensure they are clean and lightly conditioned to maintain a smooth, stutter-free release.

Step 3: Low-Friction Lubrication (Oil)

The levelwind and idler systems on the 5000B are "always-on," meaning they move during the cast. Using a heavy grease here will severely castrate your casting distance.

• The Levelwind: Apply Deuthlon Reel Oil to the worm shaft and the pawl. The low viscosity of the oil allows the line guide to oscillate rapidly without creating unnecessary back-pressure on the spool.

• Idler Gears: These gears sit between the spool and the levelwind. Apply Deuthlon Reel Oil to the idler gear posts. By using oil on these gears, you minimize the rotational mass the spool has to overcome, which is essential for casting lighter lures with a vintage reel.

Step 4: Spool Shaft and Bushings

Unlike the "C" models, the 1969 5000B typically utilizes high-quality bronze bushings.

1. Bushings: Clean the bushings inside the tension caps thoroughly.

2. Lubrication: Add two drops of Deuthlon Reel Oil to each bushing. This oil's advanced formula creates a film that prevents metal-to-metal contact, preserving the spool shaft's diameter over decades of use.

3. Reassembly: Reinstall the spool and side plates. Adjust the mechanical brake until the spool has just a hint of side-to-side play.

Summary for the Vintage Enthusiast

The 1969 Ambassadeur 5000B thrives when maintained with modern technology. By applying Deuthlon Reel Grease to the main and pinion gears and Deuthlon Reel Oil to the levelwind and idler gears, you provide this classic reel with a level of protection and smoothness that 1960s lubricants simply couldn't offer. Regular maintenance with these premium products ensures your 5000B remains a functional tool on the water rather than a dusty relic on a shelf.