As someone who still likes to use older Ambassadeur reels,I've spent a lot of time building,upgrading,and "Customizing these older classics.In addition to the normal bearing,drag washer,worm gear,cog wheel,and handle upgrades,I've been able to find unique colored side plates for my reels.I currently have reels in Pink,Teal,Blue,Burgundy,Red, &Gold.Some of my more unique reels are a Blue 4500C with matching frame,a Red 4600C with the Red thumb bar on a Gold plated frame,and Gold accents,and a Red 4600C.I recently upgraded a 4600CA for a friend that ended up with 10 bearings,and a carbon fiber handle!

Very cool! Do you have a larger photo? Where do you buy the upgrade parts for your reels?

That is a beautiful collection!

LLS - Nice to see you.  You can find quite a few places, but here is one: http://www.hatterasoutfitters.com/

Very cool. I too would like to see a larger picture. Since the introduction of the Revos, I still fish with a couple Abu Garcia round reels, in my everyday arsenal, I just can't part with them. All my muskie, and salmon rods have Abu round reels on them. They just can't be beat.

Falcon

Those are very nice.  Very good mods you are doing on those.  I would like to see a bigger picture as well and maybe some detail pics.

those are great reels, thats why i use 6000. ambssadeur reels is way to go

Cool Oldschoolbasser

I have an old red ABU Ambassadeur 5000 4 Screw that I would love to do that to. The serial number is 904698.

I have no book on it, so what are the tips or parts you need to get for them like ya did, I guess it would be on what ya wanted to set it up on, maybe some cranking or swim baits, I don't know yet? I'd build a rod for it too.

Let me know if ya can

They look good

Tony

Here's a bigger picture.I switched the 1st photo with some other reels.I usually get my parts from a local tackle store,Ebay,or Purefishing.Most of the side plates are from the Japanese market,and the other parts I get from fellow collectors.If anyone needs info,or part #s let me know what you need,and I'll get them for you.Thanks for all the nice comments!Seems there are more guys out there who appreciate these "Classic" reels than I imagined.

I am new here but I found this by accident. I am in the middle of restoring one of my dad's old ambassdeur 5000 reels and it needs new side plate. The red color is really wore off Can you tell me where you can get these plates without it costing me an arm and a leg thanks

I keep looking at getting one of the older ambassadeur reels and buying the magnetic braking kit for one and trying it out

Those are some d@*n good customs jobs OSB, that red with gold frame takes the cake (IMO). You got me sold on the 10BB upgrade

You did a great job on those reels!!! I also have 4 old Ambassadors. They are great for slowing down my presentation as I tend to fish faster that I should. They are very reliable and simple to maintain. Good for you to keep alive the old reels with a New Look!!!!