Need to find the best reel repair person to convert a couple of my Abu to either direct drive or regular with a flip of a botton. Years ago I went to Links in Seattle to do that for me. He did an excellent job. I do not think he is around any more. Thanks for any help.
I want to say happy Veterans Day to all my brothers and sisters who served in Nam. We will never forget our fallen brothers and sisters!!!
Class of 68

And happy Veterans Day to you!

Navigator,

Class of 69

The antique angler is the best around , and hes in sumner, his phone # 253-863-0934 hope this helps.

Try Johns sporting goods in Evertt.. Phone number 425-259-3056 I had a couple of reels done there .Seem to be resonable and quick return..

Save yourself a phone call to Ted's and John's. Called Ted's first since they are a sponsor, and they recommended John's to convert Abu reels. John's won't do it anymore, according to the guy who answered the phone.

I'm going to call the place suggested above tomorrow, and then I'll try Ollie Damon's in Portland.

R& R Marine in PA used to do the switch some time ago, but the guy who owns it refuses to look at any reel based on a couple of visits I've paid there. Last time I was in, he had a handful of the parts for the older Abu reels but said he wouldn't do the engineering to replace the instant anti-reverse bearing on the newer models. If you catch him on a good day, you might get lucky if you've got the right reel.

I've got a converted 5000 C3 and may convince myself to reverse-engineer the switch and assembly process just to be able to have a decent direct-drive again.

I'll post my results.

Thanks for the imformation KJ. The last reel I had done was by R.R. He said he would not do any others after this one. (Abu 5000) Compared to the ones I had done at Links he did a shody job, but it did work. Damons do not do the conversion any more. The guy who did it for them died ten years ago. My next choice is The Antique Angler in Sumner (253-863-0934) He is open tues. thru sat. After these reels are converted I put high speed gears in them. Thanks again KJ.

[ 11-13-2001: Message edited by: Dick ]

Stimulate the economy and go to your favorite retailer and buy a new one, or if you want it repaired, DO NOT TAKE IT TO JOHN's HE IS AN
_______, I will let you fill in the blanks, he totally hosed me and a friend of mine on our reels. I know Ollie Damons in Portland does great work, and I guess I will try the guy in Sumner since it is close.
Peace Superfly

I checked with the Antique Angler, and he doesn't do the Abu conversion and doesn't know of anyone who does. I may have to figure out how to reverse engineer the thing and start up my own business, as if I get to fish too much as it is! I'll continue checking with the company-- I have some friends there who might be able to help us.

Superfly-- we're not trying to repair reels but have them converted to selective anti-reverse, which gives you the best of direct drive and a drag. If I could find new ones, I would buy them-- a lifetime supply in steelhead and salmon sizes both. However, when Shimano stopped making the Bantam 1000, that was about it for quality direct-drive reels. The Penn 109 and 10MF (?) are the only ones I know of out there, and they're not much on the salmon or steelhead front. If you know of any such reels that are available-- the line thanking you will start here.

What's the deal with "converting ABU reels"? Is there a defect that needs to be corrected? I've got 3 6500C reels and was wondering. Thanks.

Thank you KJ. I also called the A.A. this morn and got the bad news. From what you have posted I may have some new hope. I will keep my fingers crossed. Please keep me imformed on what you find out. The guy at A.A. said there was kits that was used to covert these reels over. I do not think the person at R.R. used a kit. Now I wish I could catch him in a good mood. The one he did for me may have not looked like the ones (9 reels-7 kids) Links did for me but it still worked good. Anyhow thanks again KJ

The link's tackle is still there off of Rainier ave in seattle.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

Ollie Damons in Portland did my Ambassador 5001 about 12 years ago. It's a great way to play a fish!

Bob Gooding in Forks does all my repairs.Don't know if direct drive converts but might be worth a shot 374-6330