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!