Ambassadeur 6500C(79-11-05)

Technical Restoration Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500C (Model 79-11-05)

The 79-11-05 vintage of the Ambassadeur 6500C is a classic high-speed model from the late 1970s. This specific iteration is prized for its "made in Sweden" precision, featuring a high-quality stainless steel ball-bearing drive and a heavy-duty brass main gear. Because this model utilizes a synchronized levelwind system—where the line guide oscillates during the cast—improper lubrication can create significant "mechanical drag" that kills casting distance. Restoration requires a deep-cleaning cycle to remove decades of oxidized grease followed by a modern lubrication strategy.

Phase 1: Systematic Teardown and Inspection

Before starting, prepare a clean workspace. Use a flat-head screwdriver that fits the side plate screws precisely to avoid slipping and marring the vintage finish.

1. Right-Side Access: Loosen the three knurled captive screws on the handle side. Pull the side plate away from the frame to reveal the spool.

2. Spool and Bearings: Slide the spool out. On the 79-11-05, the stainless steel ball bearings are typically located within the side plate housings. Use a fine pick to remove the wire C-clips and extract the bearings.

3. The Gear Bridge: Remove the handle nut, handle, and star drag. Lift off the side plate cover to expose the drive train. Take note of the drag washer sequence; these vintage fiber washers must be handled carefully.

4. Levelwind Components: Unscrew the pawl cap from the bottom of the line carriage. Remove the moon-shaped pawl and slide the worm gear out from the frame.

Phase 2: Deep Cleaning and Degreasing

Original lubricants from 1979 often turn into a waxy, sticky residue that acts as a brake on the reel’s internal moving parts.

• Hard Part Cleaning: Submerge the main gear, pinion gear, and worm shaft in a specialized degreasing solvent. Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub the roots of the gear teeth, ensuring no caked-on debris remains.

• Bearing Refresh: Soak the ball bearings in isopropyl alcohol. Spin them while submerged to eject trapped micro-grit. Once dried, they should spin silently with no "crunchy" sensation.

• Frame Maintenance: Wipe the interior of the frame clean. Use a cotton swab to clean the teeth of the plastic idler gear, which synchronizes the spool with the levelwind system.

Phase 3: Strategic Lubrication Protocol

To achieve professional-level performance, you must use different viscosities for the high-speed oscillation parts versus the high-torque power parts.

Levelwind and Idler Gears (The Casting Chain)

The levelwind system on the 6500C is a synchronized design, meaning it moves back and forth during the cast. This is the primary source of friction. To minimize this, apply Deuthlon Reel Power Oil to the worm shaft and the teeth of the idler gears. This specialized synthetic oil provides an ultra-slick, low-friction surface that won't "clump" or thicken, allowing the line guide to move effortlessly and maximizing your total casting distance.

Main and Pinion Gears (The Power Train)

The drive gears handle the heavy torque of the retrieve. Apply a thin, even coat of high-viscosity gear grease to every tooth of the brass main gear. This grease acts as a hydraulic cushion between the metal surfaces, preventing wear and ensuring the gear mesh feels smooth and silent under the pressure of a fish.

Phase 4: Reassembly and Fine-Tuning

1. Rebuild the Drive Bridge: Place the pinion gear into the yoke and seat the main gear on the drive shaft. Ensure the drag washers are clean and reassembled in the correct order.

2. Bearing Lubrication: Place one drop of Deuthlon oil into each cleaned ball bearing. This provides immediate lubrication for high-RPM rotation without the "slow-down" effect of heavy grease.

3. Levelwind Integration: Reinstall the worm gear and line carriage. Place a single drop of oil on the pawl before tightening the pawl cap.

4. Closing the Reel: Realign the side plates with the frame and tighten the thumb screws snugly. Reinstall the star drag and handle.

Technical Performance Summary

Once reassembled, turn the mechanical tension knob until the spool has zero side-to-side play. Engage the thumb bar and give the spool a flick; with Deuthlon oil on the high-speed components and fresh grease on the gears, your Ambassadeur 6500C 79-11-05 will deliver a silent, powerful, and frictionless performance that matches its legendary reputation.