[oldschoolbasser]

These are factory anodized plates,which I'm sure are aluminum.It's funny that the higher end reels only came in Silver,and the lower end reels had all the cool colors.Finding the NOS side plates is getting harder all the time,but I can find the newer ones with no problem.The Green 4500D was never a production model,and only a few were made.I was able to secure a decal for this model,so I was able to build the reel.As a fan of the 45 series of reels,this one was a nice addition.I'm going to build a Bronze 4000D with the narrow frame also.Since this model is the only 4000 with a 5000 size frame,I think it would look good in a narrow frame.

[oldschoolbasser]

I still have all my 2500C's that I bought in the late "70's",and most of my "80's" reels also.I've up-graded the bearings and handles,and they still feel new.I've also added the chrome frames to give them a more solid feel.I don't mind the extra weight,and prefer the heft the frames add.These reels represent a link to the past,and their innovations,and designs continue on today.

[Tony Maxwell]

I bought 2 Ambassadeur 1500C reels back in the late 70s. Not only do I still use them, but I have added 2 more 1500Cs that I found on Ebay, and a 2500C. I started bass fishing way before thumbars were thought of and, as I am left handed, find the button on the frame side works just fine for me. These are the reels I use for pitching cause they work better than the new reels I have tried.

[oldschoolbasser]

Tony,I couldn't agree with you more!Although these reels are more than 30 years old,they still perform as well as some of the newer reels out today.They handle light line and lures without a problem,and have enough power to pull the big ones in.I use mine primarily for worm fishing.Out here in Socal we have a lot of clear lakes where light line is a must.The newer reels are just too fast for finesse fishing where slower retrieve is need.I've up-graded mine with ceramic bearings,and I'm going to add 4 post drive shafts to engage the reel faster.I'll post some photos of my 15 and 2500C's later.

[oldschoolbasser]

Tony,heres some pics of my 1500C's.I have 1 mint with box,my every trip reel,a Blue 1500C IAR from Japan,a Nostalgia Series from Japan also,and a Standard 1500C with Burgundy side plates added on.

[oldschoolbasser]

Here's my 2500C collection.The Blue and Red reels are IAR models.Originally Silver I added the colored side plates.The Burgundy one is a Standard model with side plates added also.The others I just replaced the old side plates with new ones,and there's a Don Iovino in there also.