ABU AMBASSADEUR S.E.V.E.N.

This was spotted on Gumtree and came from Clydesdale, Scotland. Again this is part of the late 80s series that all came in matt black with printed text, thos one from 1988. The dull an almost military look is attractive and this one has seen a bit of action by the looks of it. It wasn't very expensive and will be a fun project. On a strange note, it's my seventh Abu reel. Is that spooky or what?

Seventh Son of a Seventh Son!

 It's dark demeanour cast a spell on me!

 It's dark demeanour cast a spell on me!

Underneath the lower bar you can see the level wind worm spindle!

The brass sprocket is missing from the inside, but this mechanism can be replaced

if needed.

ABU AMBASSADEUR T.E.N.

When I saw this puppy on eBay for around €40 on a Buy It Now listing I was intrigued to say the least and it seemed like a good price for a vintage reel. There was a whole series of these reels S.I.X., S.E.V.E.N., etc, all matt black, made for a couple of years in the late 80s. As you can see this one has a CT type cage kept together with rods with plastic covers. Still a nice boat reel with very simple functions. No stamped type on the side plate here just printed text, but nice condition for a reel 30 years old.

It's a T.E.N.

The Abu printed text era!

The handle has options!

ABU AMBASSADEUR 5000 D

This little beauty was another lucky win on eBay. The 5000 D which stands for 'Direct Drive' has no star drag but a small knob in the same place and the drag only works when you let go of the handle. It's got a level wind also. It's a 1974 model that had only one owner and it's in great condition. The green is very cool too and it's a nice addition to my growing ABU collection. 

No star drag but a small alloy knob instead!

Look at that green!

This reel is a little gem!

ABU AMBASSADEUR 12

The Abu 12 is a medium boat reel produced between 1975 and 1985.

It came in satin chrome with deep chrome and a black cage. Not this one thought, that I spotted on an eBay Buy It Now listing for £28 that included three budget fixed spool reels that I have no interest in and can sell on a local adverts site. This one is from 1976. I contacted the seller and asked if the Abu handle turned and the buttons moved since it does look pretty gnarly from sea salt burn. He said they did so I took a gamble and pulled the trigger. I hoped the gears were okay under the plates as I know I risked my money, but life would be boring without such gambles so I waited with baited breath for the reel to arrive...

...and just over a week later it came and it's pretty rough!

There's a bit of salt corrosion but mainly on the spool.

 You can see the green brass oxidisation.

It also had a rod clamp that I removed.

It looks pretty sad!

Time for a strip down.

The spool is badly eaten and needs to be replaced.

After a good clean it's smiling a little.

There's only one bad on the side plate but that adds a bit of character.

Gear side looking much better.

Once the spool is replaced it will fish again!

WARNING!

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DON'T LOOK AFTER YOUR GEAR

AND WASH THE SALTWATER OFF IT AFTER USE!

BULMAN KING COD

May 16, 2016

Another deep sea outing!

Boat loaded with gear!

Colourful character! Wrasse.

Big ones!