My Dad gave me a vintage Red 5000C

[WTL]

Abu Garcia with 4 screws on the faceplate the other day, I've been trying to find a website that discusses these reels and was wondering maybe if any of you knew where I could get some info on this reel. It has 4 screws on the faceplate as I said, it says ABU SWEDEN and AMBASSADUER 5000 below the cast control knob. Very little boat rash, one small dent and it freespools great (although when you press the button to cast it pops back up like it was in "flippin mode").

[pig n jig]

Is it a side button or a thumbar model ? It don't thing much can be wrong with it.I would have to be able to take it apart to know if something is missing, but most all Abu reel parts are interchangable for the most part. Does it have a big chrome knob in the center side plate ? P N J

[WTL]

Oh yeah Pnj, it has the side button and the chrome cast control knobs on both sides - its an old Garcia red 5000c - not the newer thing they've been putting out. My Dad has an early 70s model chrome 5000c that is similar, but this thing looks to be a little more simplified in design than even that reel - no bearings, all bushings, the centrifugal brake is as basic as the come (2 big pins, uses the big black brakes).

I'm already certain that it is at least from the 60s, but understand they started offering these reels in the 50s and that at the time they were the big deal. I guess I'm trying to narrow down specifically just how old this thing is, whether or not the possibility exists that it is exceedingly rare, maybe even one of the first million or so Ambassaduers.

[pig n jig]

WTL, The only bearing s needed in an Abu are on the spool.With the stationary shaft design they don't require a bearing as most other brands do.I most likely have got parts for it. depending on the shaft size, I have a spool with bearings that should fit it.Let me know if you need help fixing it or if I can help in anyway.I am looking for a schematic sheet for it, I have one somewhere. P N J