-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Items to add to website: Color scans from "Ambassadeur and I" handles drag stars spool caps plates etc... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Black Max 2008 Ball Bearings (IDxODxWidth) Crank shaft : 1pcs 5x9x3 & 1pcs 8x14x4 Spool right side: 1pcs 5x10x4 Spool left side: 1pcs 3x10x4 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Identifying ABU Sideplates as Original? The presence of the narrow groove on the inside of the bushing housing confirms its authenticity (copies and non-factory plates won't have this groove). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ambassadeur Parts Database Create parts database using Access database, ensure that database can be transferred to a SQL server database if desired. Abu Ambassadeur parts database design notes and description of advantages after design notes are reviewed. Although the database is targeted for the ABU Ambassadeur reels which describes both the make (ABU) and model (Ambassadeur) reels: manufacturer, model, model_number, year, color, description, unique_features, lh/rh, line_capacity, weight, country_of_production parts: part_number, description, reels_compatible One immediate advantage for this type of database would be to quickly find part numbers without referencing schematics. Another use for this database, something that a quick scan of schematics cannot quickly reveal would be: part number x will fit which reels? This would aid in purchasing original old stock parts as they become available from an estate sell, etc... If a particular part will fit many model reels, you may want to purchase a slightly larger quantity of part x as this part would be used more frequently when restoring odd parts on antique Ambassadeur reels. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Catalogs used for Ambassadeur and I These catalogs no longer had retail prices on them starting in 1967. Garcia - Fishing Annual Garcia - Fishing Tackle Garcia - Pro Line Tackle Garcia - Go with the Leader Garcia - A Fresh New Look Garcia - 1980 Garcia - For Outdoor People Tight Lines (English International) Nap Og Nyt (Swedish) Bonne Peche (French) The Garcia 1957 Fishing Tackle catalog introduced the Ambassadeur 5000, 5000A, and 6000 to the American public. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ambassadeur 4000D / 5000D / 4500D / 5500D / 5500DA 4500D lower capacity. Just like the 4500 but with direct drive mechanism. Model number on adhesive label.. Specifications Weight 245g Retrieve Ratio 3.75:1(4000D / 5000D) Retrieve Ratio 4.7:1 (5500D) Bronze bearing Centrifugal brake Clicker (5000D) Capacity 20 lb / 130m (4000D / 5000D) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The transition from the grooved rims to the smooth or beveled rims took place in 1972. The reel foot also went from smooth to dimpled at this time. In 1968 the brake plate ring where the brakes touch began being riveted to the brake plate. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The manufacturing company AB Urfabriken (ABU), was founded by Carl August Borgstrom in Svangsta, Sweden 75th Anniversary Reels (5000pcs aka 5000c): June 1995 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4000d (1973-1975): colors: brown, possibly "pale anodized gold" notes: some models had "clicker" 1974 - spherical line guide 1975 - flat smooth line guide 5000d (73-79): colors: green, champagne gold, (green, but some were made in blue color!) notes: garcia catalog.: 1974-1977 milestone......: 1973 5500d (78-79): colors: green 5500da (79-81) o The 4000d and 5000d are the same size reels, the 5000d had a clicker. o In 1978 when the 5500d was introducted, abu made slight modifications to the 5000d, it no longer had a clicker and used a decal instead of the engraving. Since the 5500d never had a clicker and used decals as well, the same plates could be used for both models, the gear ratio was the only differences (and the handle nut retainer). The head plate also had the red high speed sticker on the 5500d. o The handle for the 5500d had a hole for a retainer plate (nut lock). o The 80mm twin knob power handle was first introduced on the 4000d/5000d and is made of aluminum. o The 5500d was discontinued for the 5500da which had a red palming plate and a longer 90mm handle with the round knobs. This model was discontinued as well in 1981. This was the last of the direct drive models. 5500d (1978): The 5500d has never had a clicker and had decal only. The 4500c/5500c twin knob power handle is solid brass with a chrome finish. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Abu Garcia is a Swedish company, which is into manufacturing of fishing equipments and reels. Abu Garcia located in Svangsta in Blenkinge, Sweden was launched in 1921 and was into manufacturing of taximeters, timers and watches. During World War II, when these products were no longer in demand Gote Borgstrom, the owner’s son turned to manufacturing of fishing reels. The first reel manufactured in 1941 by Abu Garcia was called the ‘Abu Record’. They launched the Ambassador casting reel in the year 1950 and after several years introduced the Cardinal spinning reel. Both of these reels are quite known in the market. Since then, they are well known for the unique engineering and craftsmanship involved in producing the lures, dependable rods and reels needed for fishing. They have revolutionized the fishing technology with their variety of innovative products. For people who are into fishing game the Abu Garcia’s bait cast reel is a good option. Every Abu Garcia reel is designed to provide large variety of casting purposes. The smooth drag feat and casting adjustments are incorporated in Abu Garcia’s equipments. They are also crafted for use in Freshwater, Ice water and Saltwater. The Enhanced Drive system has an aluminum pool and a rotor. The performance of Abu Garcia’s Cardinal reel and Ambassadeur reel are combined in Abu Garcia combos reels. They have graphite rod to enable angler to give a better performance. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ebay Vintage Collectors: eBay Vintage Collectors (search by bidder): p5000 ibidyougoodnight fishtackle fishgod1940 Books: "THE AMBASSADEUR AND I" by Simon Shimomura. A reference and history of Classic Models. A must for collectors. Has 130 pages 8 x 11 of colored photos and text. "THE AMBASSADEUR AND I 'FINAL CHAPTER'", by Simon Shimomura. A follow-up to first book. Released in 2003 and goes into detail on fake items, rare and unusual items and classification as to scarcity. Ambassadeur Boxes Wanted: Ambassadeur boxes from the 1960's thru 1980's like boxes for 1500C, 2500C, 4500C, 5500C, 5500D, 6500, etc