Thread: Taking time to maintain my Abu Surf rig

So Isaac is upon us and work called off production for the day. Time to service my main surf reel. It is an Ambassadeur 6500 C3CT mag in Black Chrome. Sideplates and frame are chrome plated brass.
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0430.jpg[/img]
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0435.jpg[/img]
My first step is to tear it all apart.
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0477.jpg[/img]
Then I go for the spool bearings.
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0440.jpg[/img]
These I soak in some acetone that I keep in an old aspirin bottle. These will stay there while I do the rest of the service. I then wash everything in spirits (odorless) and lay it all out to air dry. As soon as it has all dried, I the begin tuning and assembling. But first lets go over some upgrades that are common for these reel types.
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0478.jpg[/img]
Not pictured is the fact that all of my fasteners have been upgraded to marine grade stainless steel. The brake plate is chrome plated brass, which is stronger and more corrosion resistant than the stock plate. Then there is the addition of a stainless steel pinion gear. Followed then with a fibered brake block kit which is lighter and smoother than the plastic types, as well as can be adjusted with many sizes of brakes to fit your skill level. I use smoooth drag carbontex drags with cals drag grease properly applied. then a modification to the spool release button, where I have cut a notch in it (wlil explain soon enough).
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0487.jpg[/img]
Also use a tournament bearing shim. And finally I use TG's Rocket bearings (ceramic hybrid abec 7), with yellow label rocket fuel or I run them dry. These I remove the shields for the purpose of slinging out excessive oil that may be in them.
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0457.jpg[/img]
Now it is time for tuning.
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0491.jpg[/img]
This I do in only a few places in this reel. The brake drum, The inside of the pinion and the spindle where the pinion rides. I use my dremel with a polishing kit. Using the jewelers rouge I polish these areas to a mirror finish.
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0496.jpg[/img]
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0497.jpg[/img]
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0501.jpg[/img]
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0499.jpg[/img]
Now for the assembling. I use 3 of the 4 magnets that are provided and also I move them back a notch.
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0503.jpg[/img]
This in effect moves them farther away from the spool thereby reducing the field generated while the spool spins. Now I put the mags in place.
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0510.jpg[/img]
Then the side plate.
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0515.jpg[/img]
Dont forget to put a drop of oil on the end cap with the shims.
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0518.jpg[/img]
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0520.jpg[/img]
Now on to the brake plate assembly.
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0521.jpg[/img]
with just a dab, grease the shaft and install the driveshaft shim.
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0522.jpg[/img]
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0524.jpg[/img]
Next using automotive grease I lightly coat everywhere metal to metal parts touch.
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0528.jpg[/img]
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0529.jpg[/img]
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0530.jpg[/img]
Then I coat only the teeth of the pinion gear.
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0534.jpg[/img]
Then I complete the brake plate assembly until I arrive at the drive gear installation.
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0537.jpg[/img]
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0538.jpg[/img]
Now using Cals Drag Grease SPARINGLY (enough to almost leave a fingerprint), I install the spacer drag.
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0540.jpg[/img]
Then using the auto grease on the teeth of the drive gear, I place it on top of the spacer drag. then back to using cals on the drag disks only, I alternate drags and plates until stacked.
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0541.jpg[/img]
Then I finish off with the top plate and bearing spacer.
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0542.jpg[/img]
After installing the sideplate and spring washers it is a good time to install shim and spool clip in the end cap and then place it on the side plate before putting on the drag star and handle shim.
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0543.jpg[/img]
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0547.jpg[/img]
Then remember handle then the retaining e clip.
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0548.jpg[/img]
Now it is time for the spool.
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0549.jpg[/img]
Completely dry the bearing. Give them s spin on the shaft to sling out any left over solvent. I oil them with two drops each then i slowly rotate them as to disperse the oil throughout the bearings.
Install the shim and a bearing followed by the brake retainer and clip it into place.
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0550.jpg[/img]
Then on the other side install the bearing and its retaining clip.
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0551.jpg[/img]
Next place a drop of oil on the part of the spindle that slides into the pinion, then install it pressing until you can feel it snap into the retainer in the end cap.
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0553.jpg[/img]
Next I choose my brake blocks and install them onto the spool.
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0554.jpg[/img]
Carefully sliding the spool into place while not losing my brake blocks.
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0555.jpg[/img]
Next place a drop of oil into the speed bullet place it on the end of the spindle.
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0556.jpg[/img]
Now the assembly is ready to be placed into the frame as a whole piece.
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0560.jpg[/img]
At this point I center the spool, give it a good polishing and place it in its case.
Now for the notch I mentioned earlier.
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0562.jpg[/img]
When casting, press the spool release in an d slide it forward so that the notch catches on the sideplate. This prevents the spool from engaging during the cast if the handle turns.
Along with my surf rod...
[img width=720 height=540]http://i1152.photobucket.com/albums/p489/surfcaster2/DSCN0568.jpg[/img]
This makes for one pompano murdering rig! Yes I was Bored today!

I have 16 reels that need cleaning...How much you charge?...LOL...Just kidding.

Huh?

Oh, sorry I had to take a nap after scrolling through that thread ;-) LOL

Like I said...I was bored

good thing the lights stayed on during that too many small part

Good stuff Surfcaster!