Abu Garcia 6600C, Restore It? 2024

jason41987 reply :

so in another thread i mentioned this reel i got at an auction for $4.. its an abu garcia ambassadeur 6600C, on the foot it looks like one of the letters is missing but it looks like (7_0200).. does anyone know what year these particular reels were made ,and whether or not i should rebuild it?.. it feels a little rough, so it could use new bearings.. a little scuffed so i was thinking of polishing up some of the parts, maybe even re-annodize the size plates.. also, it would appear theres no instant anti-reverse.. im wondering if it would be possible to upgrade it to that feature?

Maxximus Redneckus reply :

Yes indeed restore it .many upgrades i dont have links now but the abu possee will chime in shortly ..btw you stole that reel yeeeehaww

jason41987 reply :

well ive completely torn this reel down and i have completely cleaned every nook and cranny from the 40 year old grease.. the gears all look to be in pristine condition, main gear looks to be stainless steel or something, a magnet will actually stick to it.. .. im going to finish assembling it tomorrow with some fresh grease and oil.. replace the bearings in the very near future, and look into options for refinishing the side plates...

any idea on whether this can be converted to instant anti-reverse or not?

Maxximus Redneckus reply :

No the iar is built into the newer models side plate .there may be a extra dog you can put into it if it has a post for it.but unlikely.it will serve you well as a catfish reel or a swimabait reel if you dont mind 11.oz

jason41987 reply :

anyone know a list of mods that could be good for this reel?

frogflogger reply :

In my worthless opinion instant anti reverse is over rated.

jason41987 reply :

omg.. i finally got this stupid tortion spring for the pawl back in.. my god was that a nightmare i dont want to have over again.. anyway, im trying to figure out where this one spring goes.. it looks like.. its very fine, maybe inch and a half long.. i believe it belongs to the brake plate somewhere?.. also, i did come across one piece that needs to be replaced.. the drag washer, looks like some sort of a felt material.. anyway, its too badly torn up and will need to be replaced.. do i need an original part here or would a felt washer do?

Delaware Valley Tackle reply :

Upgrade the drag to Carbontex. I may have a kit in stock if you want to email me the model details. AS for the spring I think that's for the Bait clicker. You'll have to fiddle with it. I can put it in but couldn't begin to explain it here. If you don't have one, get online and find a Schematic for any reel before opening it.

Maxximus Redneckus reply :

Never heard of a spring in the pawl

jason41987 reply :

sorry, the sprig i had a pain in the ass getting in i found listed as the "pinion yoke spring".. its pinned in and that pin is held in with a e-clip

now, the one i drew above doesnt go to the bait clicker, it looks slimilar but the one for the bait clicker has sort of a hook on it, and i had no problem getting that one installed and the bait clicker works fine

the spring i cant seem to figure out where it goes i found shown in a brake plate spring mod kit.. i think its the skinny little spring next to the e-clips that i cant find a home for.. ill look into getting a new drag kit, and maybe even these springs to replace the old ones in there now (one is a bit stretched so it wont hurt to replace them anyway)

Delaware Valley Tackle reply : http://www.abugarcia.com/sites/default/files/schematics/6600C%2081-08-00.PDF part This shows the spring and its general location but orientation and installation will be trial and error.

jason41987 reply :

anyone have a photo showing that spring installed in the reel?.. the tail end on mine looks shorter than normal, wonder if its broken?.. anyway, heres what i need to get.. i need to get a new drag washer, new brake plate spring kit (one of mine is a bit stretched), new bearings.. and someone said a carbontex drag upgrade?

also, im having a hard time finding specs to this rifle.. max drag, spool capacity, gear ratio..and what does this thing use for a brake?

jason41987 reply :

would it be possible for me to install an extra post for a second dog?.. and would this reduce the distance the reel could travel in reverse?.. because there really isnt much travel now, a second dog would be pretty d**n close to IAR..

Delaware Valley Tackle reply :

Don't over think the AR. As long as the pawl and ratchet are clean, lubed and adjusted correctly they work fine. Most folks take the brake shoes right off those old Ambassaduers. Confirm the bearing and drag washer sizes and I'll check my stock if you'd like. I've never seen those springs become weakened but if you find them cheap enough no harm in changing.

jason41987 reply :

im not too worried about instant anti-reverse, last year was the first time i had a reel that actually had it.. it seems to me like the IAR would be hard to fix if it ever broken where the dog itself is easily replaced.. so it may lend itself to a longer lived reel

a bit off-topic but not really, i have a 5600WS.. which judging from the schemstics is identicle to the 5600C4, however the WS has the wiffle spool like the record.. so while im on the idea of upgrading reels i may take my 5600WS, buy a couple more parts and upgrade it to a record which apparently id need to add three more bearings.. was even thinking of adding a bait clicker...

i guess the more i take these reels apart and play with them, the more i like them.. im becoming a huge ambassadeur fan and fast.. i wish i could find a similar workhorse of a reel in a low profile configuration as a companion to these ambassadeurs

Maxximus Redneckus reply :

Yourcorrect about iar easier/cheaper to replace the dog then a new side cover .in reality iar is over hyped .i only see a need for it when using jigs and t rigged worms ..imo

jason41987 reply :

would i need to completely re-annodize the side plates to fix the scuffed parts or can this be touched up?

oldschoolbasser reply :

Here's a picture of the brake plate. You can see where that wire piece goes. That piece where the wire fits in must be pushed in before you can get the side plate back on. Also,that wire has to be completely under the side plate. It it can be a little tricky because the tension on the wire wwhen you out the side plate on causes the part to come out. I use a thin screwdriver to push the part back in before the side plate goes on. Carbontex drag kit #079 is what you need to replace the drag,and base washer. The bearings are 3x10x4. You can add a dual bearing cog wheel,and worm gear if you want to upgrade those parts. Make sure the cog wheel upgrade if for the 5152 cog wheel.Newer cog wheels have a lip on top that causes it to bind when you put the cog wheel screw back on. There shouls also be a bent wire that goes on the right side of the frame that returns the thumb bar to it's up position after you depress the thumb bar. New side plates might be available,I'd have to check on that for you if you want me to. You stole that reel at what you paid for it!

oldschoolbasser reply :

Here's the spring wire position on the left side of the frame. BTW the pawl doesn't have a spring!

jason41987 reply :

so the purpose of the spring is a return spring for the thumb bar.. k, makes sense.. and interesting to know i can add more bearings.. two for the cog wheel, an extra one for the worm gear.. a 5-bearing reel when finished?

anyway.. not sure if the spring is in right or not but i see no other way to get it in that does its job of returning the thumb bar without interfering with other interior components..so whatever, doesnt seem like its very important if thats all it does because evidently the reel functions perfectly fine without it

jason41987 reply :

question, is it possible for me to strip these side plates down to bare metal, strip off the annodizing and do a completely custom refinishing job?.. maybe even a powder coated design?

oldschoolbasser reply :

Jason, I know a guy who powder coated his side plates. But what would that cost compared to just buying new side plates? I asked my friend about side plates for your reel, but he doesn't have any with the holes for the clicker. BTW, you can put 13 bearings on your reel, I have 3 reels with that many. A new set of side plates will run you about $55

jason41987 reply :

how would you put 13 bearings in a 6600C from 1977?.. and for that matter for comparison, how many could i get in a modern 5600c4?

oldschoolbasser reply :

my mistake,I meant 12 bearings. 2 worm gear,2 cog wheel,2 spool, 2 drive shaft, 4 handle, that's 12. My buddy in Australia makes a bearing supported drive shaft, and the other drive shaft bearing replaces the black plastic bushing. A C4 has 4 bearings, not too hard to add 8 more. BTW counting the bearings in the knobs is something every company does.

jason41987 reply :

kind of off topic here but this has got me thinking.. does anyone make a sub $100 low profile baitcaster that is as much of a workhorse, has the kind of aftermarket support or community backing that the ambassadeur seems to have?

oldschoolbasser reply :

I don't think so Jason. You have to remember that Abu's evolutionary design has made it easier to upgrade reels, where as other manufacturers completely redesign their reels every few years and older reels become obsolete, and parts are no longer available. I just purchased side plates,spools, and other parts for reels made in the "70's" and "80's". Try that with Shimano, or Daiwa! Another thing you have to remember is that these reels have bee in production since the 50's, and many fisherman started off using these reels as their 1st bait caster. Add that to the fact that their collectibility, and popularity continues to drive the prices up on hard to find models. Abuholics are a tight knit group who have a passion for these reels, and continue to push the envelope of performance, and customizing. Until other manufacturers produce parts for older reels, and fisherman continue to use older reels, they will never have the following that AbuGarcia enjoys.

0119 reply :

On 6/18/2014 at 10:03 PM, jason41987 said:
question, is it possible for me to strip these side plates down to bare metal, strip off the annodizing and do a completely custom refinishing job?.. maybe even a powder coated design?

Call Jerry at hookless, he can get you replacement sideplates and all the upgrade parts you could need. He will talk you through the whole thing or can build you up a work of art.

jason41987 reply :

i must say though i was actually surprised to know i could just pop my new 5600 side plates onto this 1977 frame.. granted this wouldnt work as a fishing reel because the spool would be too short but i was kind of surprised to know the screw patterns and even the thread patterns were all identicle.. kind of reminds me of volkswagens and how they really didnt change in 50 years either..

so im a fan, ill be restoring this reel at least to like-new condition, i do not think i will be adding more than the stock number of bearings though and will wait till later to upgrade the drag.. reason is i dont really have any main purpose for the larger 6600s, i fish in lakes where the lighter, more compact 5600 size works better and feels more comfortable in my hand so i dont think this old 6600C will have the opportunity to replace my smaller reel unless there was a significant reason and advantage to the older design which as i can gather doesnt have a brake to it at all and im not comfortable enough using my thumb for that role yet

Maxximus Redneckus reply :

Lol i can put my side plate from a 6500 onto my 4600 and have a thumbbar and a push button with a clicker ..i love me some abus..and oldschool makes me drool .show these dudes what your working with oldschool

oldschoolbasser reply :

Jason,putting 5600C side plates on your 6600C will not change the size of your reel. You can put any model side plates on the frame as the hole patterns are universal on all Ambassadeurs. Jerry Foran is a great guy to go to for your reel parts,and he may have a set of side plates for your reel. Maximus has seen my work, as have a few of the other Abuholics. They are fun to build,and a blast to fish with. Like Maximus said,he can have a 4500 size reel with a clicker on it,try swapping Daiwa,or Shimano reel parts,doesn't work.Restore your reel,and put it on the shelf. If you're not going to fish with it,at least you can enjoy looking at it.

jason41987 reply :

i went with the 5600 over the 4600 because i questioned whether or not i could comfortably fit my thumb onto the spool (large hands).. on my 5600 there isnt much space on either side of my thumb when its on the line.. however, i think now i can imagine myself getting these reels in different configurations and in different sizes.. now that i have a 5600, and a 6600, my next step would be a 4600 size.. would it be somehow possible to use a newer spool on an older side plate? one that has the centrifugal brake as i havent really yet weened myself off of using it?.. i know old spools had a fixed spindle, and in the new ones thats opposite, but hmm, is it possible to convert from using one type of spool to another?

0119 reply :

The older thru spindle spools also have centrifugal brakes.

jason41987 reply :

mine doesnt seem to have one

also, since im also beginning to start building my own rods, im going to refinish both my ambassadeurs to have a common color scheme, sounds lame, sure.. what i will probably do is have two sets of side plates.. old school, modern, then have a set of frames complete with the levelwind system, thumb bar, spool, and the plastic thumb rest on top.. then i can place whichever side plate i want on whichever size frame i want for whichever style fishing i intend to do, this just means i only need to find a 4600 size frame now and itll be complete .. may add spare left side plates though, one with and one without the bait clicker (i mostly do lure fishing so not much NEED for the clicker)

oldschoolbasser reply :

Jason, you can't put modern side plates on your "70's style reel as they are not interchangeable. 80's style reel have the brake adjustment on the right side of the reel,and the spools are completely different. You can have 3 sizes of frames,and spools (46,56,&6600) but they all have to be from the same style of reel to be interchangeable.

jason41987 reply :

ive already mentioned above that my side plates do fit on the old frame but would need a different spool.. would the 80s style spool with the brake fit the 77 side plate though? both having the spindle fixed to the spool or would i need the 80s style side plate as well? which actually brings me to another question.. if i decide to collect a few different size frames and spools i can interchange with one set of side plates, so i go old school or do i go with the more modern design?.. the older design looks more robust, stronger, but the newer design seems to be a bit lighter, and fits my left hand a bit more without the extra spool tension knob on the left side

i may just reserve this 6600c to a heavy duty only role when im specifically targeting catfish or muskie and use my newer ones for everything else and collect frames with spools to fit the newer style

another question kind of unrelated to the old 6600c, but has anyone ever converted a 4600 size into something capable of catching crappie?.. in order to cast lighter lures you need to both reduce the mass and the parasitic drag on the spool.. so i thought about getting a 4600 size reel, fabricating a very light weight carbon fiber spool, use a very thin maybe 10-12lb braided line, and remove anything that could result in parasitic drag on the spool including the level-wind system

Maxximus Redneckus reply :

Your on the right path when you do the spool make a few and send me one for testing..and yes tinker all u can keep us informed

oldschoolbasser reply :

Lightweight spools are already available from Japan, and I'm sure they are more cost effective than trying to make one yourself. Removing the line guide might add a few feet to your cast, but you'll spen a lot of time manually laying the line back in the spool because without the line guide, your line will bunch up in one spot

jason41987 reply :

yeah, i know about the line bunching up which is why i was considering doing something like that to a much narrower 4600 size reel.. it wouldnt bunch up as bad, and the narrower width would make it much easier to manually guide the line as im reeling in, using my fingers to move it back and forth.. removing that added drag on the spool would allow casting even lighter lures

jason41987 reply :

i believe this reel has the original fishing line on it.. it would appear to be some kind of braided twine, nothing like todays super braids and surely isnt any sort of a monofilament.. its a jet black colored smooth feeling, thick diameter type of line.. any idea what this stuff is and what kind of line this reel was shipped with in 1977?.. im wondering what its diameter and breaking strength is and what the line capacity on a 6600 size reel was for this line?

my guess is its dacron

oldschoolbasser reply :

It's probably Dacron. Your reel didn't come with any line on it,but the Garcia line was Royal Bonnyl,and was brown in color.

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