Ambassadeur 6500Cs Rocket Chrome 07 02

Technical Restoration Guide: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500CS Rocket Chrome (Edition 07 02)

The Ambassadeur 6500CS Rocket Chrome (07 02) is one of the most visually stunning and mechanically sound reels in the Abu Garcia lineup. Clad in a high-mirror chrome finish over a solid brass frame, this edition is built for maximum rigidity. The 07 02 model is prized for its "tank-like" feel, but its performance is entirely dependent on the health of its synchronized levelwind and the precision of its centrifugal braking system.

This repair article details the steps to strip, clean, and recalibrate this chrome classic for elite-level performance.

Phase 1: Disassembly and Surface Protection

Working on a Chrome Rocket requires extra care to avoid scratching the finish. Use a padded mat and high-quality wrenches.

1. Drive Side Stripping: Remove the handle nut, handle, and star drag. Under the star drag, you will find the tension spring washers. Keep these in their specific "bowed" orientation.

2. Accessing the Gear Box: Unscrew the three knurled thumb screws. As you pull the side plate away, be mindful of the bridge assembly. The 07 02 model features a robust drive train that should be inspected for any salt crystallization hidden behind the main gear.

3. Spool and Centrifugal Brakes: Slide the spool out. Inspect the brake hub. The Chrome edition's performance relies on the brake weights moving without hitching on their pins. Ensure the brass brake ring inside the side plate is clean and polished.

Phase 2: Cleaning and Degreasing

To restore the "Rocket" speed, every internal component must be free of the thickened, oxidized grease that accumulates over time.

• Gear Sanitation: Soak the brass main gear and the pinion gear in a specialized solvent. Use a soft brush to clear the gear teeth. Inspect the pinion gear for any "rolling" of the metal on the engagement slots.

• The Levelwind System: Remove the pawl cap and the pawl from the line guide carriage. Slide the worm shaft out of its shroud. This area is the primary source of friction in the 07 02 model; any grit here will significantly shorten your cast.

• Bearing Refresh: Flush the spool bearings until they spin for several seconds when flicked. If they remain sluggish after cleaning, they likely have internal pitting and should be replaced.

Phase 3: Strategic Lubrication

The 6500CS Rocket Chrome requires a specialized lubrication map to ensure the gears are protected while the casting path remains "ultra-fast."

The Drive Train (Grease)

The main gear and pinion gear handle the mechanical stress of the retrieve.

• Apply a medium-viscosity, water-repellent grease to the teeth of the main gear.

• Lightly coat the yoke and the kick lever. This ensures that the transition from "free" to "engaged" is snappy and protected against the elements.

The Levelwind and Idlers (Deuthlon Oil)

Because the levelwind on the Rocket Chrome moves in sync with the spool during the cast, it acts as a mechanical brake.

• Recommendation: Apply Deuthlon oil to the levelwind worm shaft and the plastic idler gears.

• Deuthlon oil is specifically engineered to provide extreme lubricity with a very thin film. By using it on the idler gears and worm shaft, you reduce the energy required to move the levelwind, allowing the spool to maintain its RPM for a longer duration during the cast.

Phase 4: Reassembly and Calibration

1. Drag Stack Assembly: Reinstall the Carbon Matrix drag washers. In the 07 02, ensure the washers are seated perfectly flat. A dry stack is standard, but a microscopic coating of drag grease can help prevent "stiction" during the initial run of a fast fish.

2. Closing the Reel: Realign the side plate with the frame. Ensure the pinion gear is centered on the spool shaft before tightening the thumb screws.

3. Tuning the Spool: Adjust the mechanical tension knob until the spool has a tiny amount of side-to-side play (the thickness of a human hair). This "float" is essential for the high-speed bearings to reach their maximum potential.

Maintenance Protocol for the Chrome Edition

• Post-Trip Care: Wipe the exterior with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots on the chrome.

• Levelwind Lubrication: Every few trips, place one drop of Deuthlon oil on the worm shaft to ensure the synchronized system doesn't create unnecessary drag.

• Storage: Always store with the drag loosened to maintain the elasticity of the internal washers and prevent the gears from "setting" in old grease.