I switched all 4 rigs over now. My cranking reel is an early 70's

black 5000C, with the white handles. WHAT A REEL, in practically new condition, ISSUE: can I get the drag updated on this

It is the only thing that I am having trouble with. I caught several bass , all around 2 lbs and the drag is the old click one and I had to thumb the spool to turn the fish.

I have a all the original spare parts, etc , just want to know if an upgrade is possible, at the end of this season.

It's possible the drag washers inside have become overly compressed over time.  Contact Reel mech,  he can probably get you the parts you need.  

Those old Vintage 5000 series reels were built like tanks and will probably outlast both you and me.  

Smooth Drags makes a $9 set of Carbontex washers that would make the drag better than anything new.

Don't know about that $9.00, I sell the set (ambassadeur #079) at $6.00 HERE!

Tight Lines!!!

Those are Smoothies, I was talking about the Carbontex.

[edit]Nevermind, I read the wrong line.  They 6 bucks from both places.[/edit]

I bought a 5000D, in the 1974-76 time frame, that is still being used by my oldest son today.  Last I saw, it was on the orginal Lew's Speed Stick.  I guess that is why I have 3 5500C3's and 4 4600C3's now.

I have my Dad's 5500C from the early 80's. It still works like new, but has some boat rash. What a great reel.

Falcon

Thanks to all Carbontex washers it will be

You can probably DIY.  I recommend you go with the "dry"set up.  Just a drop in replacement.  No too difficult.

You can probably DIY.  I recommend you go with the "dry"set up.  Just a drop in replacement.  No too difficult.

Yup put a set in my black 5001C from 85, they have got some grip and are smooth, no need to lube.

Just got a sample set of ABEC5 teflon's to try out going to put them in one of my CU201's.

Tight Lines All!!

I use Carbontex on all my Ambassadeurs.I usually order them from Smooth Drag.I also order individual washers as they don't have kits for all Ambassadeur reels.