I've got a 4600c3 that I would like to rebuild and hot rod out. Any suggestions on what parts to buy and where. I have never done this before either so I could use a lot of advice.

I found this link and this guy is a bit steep price wise, however, you can use his info as a guideline to what you need to do.

http://www.reelmeister.com/page5.html

This is where I would go.
They do great work I have heard.
http://www.southwesternparts.com/

I can supply you with all the "hot rod parts" for your 4600C3. I've been told Southwestern Parts does a good job cleaning reels, but I'm not sure if the do any "hot rodding". it would be worth a phone call though.

You've picked one of the simplest reels made to work on, so it should be a piece of cake if you have any mechanical ability at all. Ther are actually only a couple things you need to do to it to really make it sing.

First & foremost, upgrade the bearings for added casting performance - $16 for a pair of ABEC7 Stainless Steel bearings will do the trick. You can spend $41 for a set of ABEC7 hybrid Ceramic bearings instead if you'd like - I carry those too. A good light oil like Yellow Rocket Fuel will allow these bearings to perform at their best.

Second - upgrade the levelwind to the C5 dual ball bearing levelwind assembly - ~$26. This is totally optional but will add even more performance.

That's about it. There are a couple of little things you need to know about the 4600 to get a bit more performance from it but I can fill you in on those in a short phone call. These mods will GREATLY improve the casting distance of your 4600. Ask Carl Wengenroth at Angler's Lodge on Lake Amistad (830-775-1586) how these exact mods improved his 4600s - he'll be glad to tell you. I souped up his 4600s a couple years ago.

Doc

SOUTHWESTERN MAY DO GREAT WORK, BUT THEY ARE VERY SLOW. I TOOK 5 REELS THERE 3 WEEKS AGO AND WAS TOLD AT THE TIME IT WOULD ONLY TAKE 2 WEEKS TO CLEAN AND ADJUST THEM. IT HAS NOW BEEN 3 WEEKS AND I TALKED TO THEM TODAY AND THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD BE ANOTHER 2 WEEKS BEFORE I WOULD GET THEM BACK. 5 WEEKS IS A LITTLE TOO MUCH, SUMMERTIME IS ALMOST OVER. I WILL LOOK SOME PLACE ELSE NEXT TIME.

Howdy,
I do reel repair work and I am located in Rockwall

Carbontex drag washers/stainless drag plates
about 20 bucks for both kits.
www.smoothdrags.com

allowed 2 more #'s drag capabilty to my 4600c3
and smooth as silk even when hammered
BTW, if you're even slightly mechanically inclined
complete rebuild of a ABU 46-5600 series reel
will take about an hour. probably better to do it yourself,
saves downtime, familiarizes you w/ the mechanics of your gear,
costs less, and SW is right there when you need parts!
tight lines
-Brian

I can vouch for ReelDoc's ABEC7 stainless bearings, good price and good product, plus reasonable shipping. Used them on an older Citica and it really improved the performance.

one of the above links is located in Oregon and the other in Dallas. Does anybody know of a good Abu repair place in Austin? I have 7000 that needs some work.

http://www.mikesreelrepair.com/

this site has all the parts and schematics drawings for almost every reel out there. parts are reasonable too. check some of the rockets the did