Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum
Other Stuff => Cabinets-Speakers => Topic started by: alerich on August 29, 2016, 10:49:25 pm
-
My girlfriend and I are replacing the tolex on my Soldano Hot Rod 50 head this weekend. Next month we plan to retolex my Soldano 4x12 to match. It is a front loaded 4x12 with no removal back. It is currently covered in black crocodile. Looking at the back I can see where the tolex from each side wraps around the back and then there is a large square of tolex in the center. Seems pretty simple but I was wondering if anyone here has experience doing these and can offer advice or technique tips on getting a nice, neat seam around that center square. There are plenty of websites and videos documenting rear loaded cabs with removal backs but not much info about front loaded cabs.
Thanks!
-
Hey alerich, I would glue to sides, top and bottom(one piece) allow a width that gives you enough that will return into the front, and about 3" return around the back. This tolex NEEDS to be parallel with the box or you will find that as you go around the sides the over hanging flaps WILL NOT BE EQUAL. :sad2:
When I glue the sides(contact glue)I only paint to the edge of the round.
I usually then work on the front as this is a bit fiddly mitring corners and folding into the front of the baffle.
Paint the tolex front flap and box and work your way around and finish the corners.
With the 3"flap on the back fold into place and mark, this will give you the size for the tolex back panel, add half an inch to be sure it will cover the side flaps, cut this piece but do not glue yet.
When working on the back I do much the same thing as the front, paint the flap and the box only to as far as the flap will reach, mitre corners.
Paint back of box and tolex, place tolex so that it covers the side flaps by the half inch and smooth into place.
Make a guide that will guide a knife at a set distance from the edge of the box and cut through both layers of tolex.The glue under the first layer of tolex will still be "green" (not cured)this will allow you to peal the excess tolex of the first layer( touch up any of the glue that comes off with the tolex) work the tolex into the cut joint closing any gaps.If need be some duct tape can be stretched across the joint this will pull the tolex together till the contact properly sets. :icon_biggrin:
(http://i761.photobucket.com/albums/xx254/Timbo-08/001%207_6.jpg) (http://s761.photobucket.com/user/Timbo-08/media/001%207_6.jpg.html)
-
Thank you very much! Good ideas about the back panel. I figured was an overlap and cut scenario similar to the head shell or 4x12 edge seam but your written description makes it much clearer in my vision.
-
My girlfriend and I spent the afternoon re-tolexing my 1992 Soldano Hot Rod 50 head. It was "this obnoxious snake skin" as she called it. It is now gorgeous purple bronco. It was a lot easier than I expected it to be. We are ready to tackle the 4x12 straight cab and make it a matching set.
-
Finished the 4x12 this afternoon. Getting the old black crocodile/alligator off was a chore. That adhesive could have sealed the leak in the Titanic. Had to pour acetone on it to soften, then scrape off the residue and sand vigorously. Applying the tolex was a breeze in comparison. Love the matched set.
-
AWESOME!!!!!!
Well done. :icon_biggrin:
-
Looks great. Very nice job. :icon_biggrin:
-
You got your girlfriend to help you out with this?!?!?! I'd say she is a keeper!!! :icon_biggrin:
Seriously, very nice job!
Jim
-
You got your girlfriend to help you out with this?!?!?! I'd say she is a keeper!!! :icon_biggrin: Seriously, very nice job!
Jim
Thanks! When I first contemplated this retolexing project I consulted her as she is the artsy crafty type and has experience with upholstery and wallpaper. Her response was "If I can re-upholster a wing back chair I'm sure we can wrap tolex around a wooden box." Her expertise with adhesives and technique definitely came in handy. The 4x12 was a two person job or at least certainly much easier and goes much quicker with two people. Applying the tolex isn't such a chore... removing the old tolex and adhesive can be quite an undertaking. Applying tolex to a raw cabinet would be all fun. She actually suggested that we should advertise our retolexing services locally on Craigslist. She obviously enjoyed it more than I did. I nipped that one in the bud.
-
Re-tolexing svce? I've heard worse ideas. I'd let that idea percolate a tad.