Finally finished, a brute of an Abu 5500C
Nov 17, 2019 15:40:30 #
Nov 17, 2019 15:40:55 #
This was built for strength, throwing big baits, and fighting big fish. What we have is a chrome frame from a '77 Abu 5500C, side plates from a 6500 C4, and the rest of the stuff from my bin. Inside we have stock bearings, yeah boring, but there is also a stainless steel main gear and hardened bronze pinion for added durability. Along with that, I shimmed the pinion yoke just in case something happened and the pinion decided to eat the yoke. This one also has a bait clicker, which will come in handy when fishing live and dead bait off the bottom.
Not seen in the photo is the backup anti-reverse pawl that will be used in the event the IAR bearing fails. It was too cold to fish this reel today but once temps climb back into the 40s, I'm gonna give her a whirl. She is very nice and smooth, but those new gears are noisy. Sounds like a sewing machine when you crank it with no load. Under load it's much quieter. I'm thinking it'll get better as the gears wear in over time.
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by redmeansdistortion
Not seen in the photo is the backup anti-reverse pawl that will be used in the event the IAR bearing fails. It was too cold to fish this reel today but once temps climb back into the 40s, I'm gonna give her a whirl. She is very nice and smooth, but those new gears are noisy. Sounds like a sewing machine when you crank it with no load. Under load it's much quieter. I'm thinking it'll get better as the gears wear in over time.
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by redmeansdistortion
Nov 17, 2019 15:41:04 #
Nov 17, 2019 15:41:07 #
Didn't have a chance to test it, only went up to 26F today. It'll be in the 40s next week so it'll get it on the water then.
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by redmeansdistortion
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by redmeansdistortion
Nov 17, 2019 18:27:16 #
You wouldn’t happen to work on nissans would ya? That’s an amazing job.
Nov 18, 2019 17:25:05 #
Still got my 5500C from the '70's, "works like a charm" and is the best quality of any of my other 7 Reels.
Nov 18, 2019 18:32:05 #
I've got a 5500c too. My first bait caster. Love that reel. No clicker but if I loosen the drag and leave it just right enough to resist current it clicks/buzzes when a fish hits and takes line. Is that a fluke or do other 5500c's do that?
Nov 18, 2019 20:02:13 #
Nov 18, 2019 20:28:35 #
FS Digest wrote:
This was built for strength, throwing big baits, a... (show quote)
Can you repair an old ( Sweden )6500 c3. The reel doesn’t lock. It works like an old sidewinder Back and forth
Nov 19, 2019 09:22:21 #
I have a dozen 4500s and 4600s, they are great reels, just a little bulky compared to today’s reels but definitely work horses. Will probably go the way of newer technology but not sure when.
Nov 19, 2019 12:28:19 #
I've only got one 5500 and one 6500. Wouldn't sell or trade either. I've also got the equivalent of the 6500 by Shakespeare and another by Bass Pro.
Nov 19, 2019 13:09:02 #
Nov 19, 2019 13:53:24 #
Buddy,let’s hope the value rises. Might have a few put back for a rainy day. Still in the boxes.
Nov 19, 2019 19:11:18 #
MadMac wrote:
I've got a 5500c too. My first bait caster. Love that reel. No clicker but if I loosen the drag and leave it just right enough to resist current it clicks/buzzes when a fish hits and takes line. Is that a fluke or do other 5500c's do that?
My 5500C doesn't click or buzz.........But got to tell you about an almost unbelievable recovery of my 5600C which occurred last year.
My Ugly Stick Rod and 5600C Reel went overboard in the confusion of boating a 20 lb. Northern. This is a Canadian Outpost lake I've fished for many years. It went down in about 15 Ft. of water. The following 4 years I tried everything I could think of to retrieve it, Heavy Spoons, hooks, a garden Rake, etc. Finally I rigged up a lead sinker with 6 leaders and big treble hooks, and on the 5th year, we got it.
The Ugly Stick is still in perfect condition and I use it just like the others. After completely dismantling the Reel, adding only the lever which corroded, and grease and oil, the reel performs like new.
ABU Garcia is quality! AND, the Ugly Stick is hard to beat for the price!
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