Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Other Stuff => Cabinets-Speakers => Topic started by: musicbox on July 01, 2020, 10:26:47 pm

Title: Replace top board on AC-15 question??
Post by: musicbox on July 01, 2020, 10:26:47 pm
Hello all,
I thinking about purchasing a Vox ac15cc1 with this rotten/corroded top board with the plan to replace it but I am unsure how the top board will come off. As I do not actually have the amp in my possession yet, I cannot examine it to see how the top will come off and if the chassis is attached to it in any way.  As you can see from the pictures the top panel has had water damage or something that has made it break down and swell up. any advice? Thanks
Title: Re: Replace top board on AC-15 question??
Post by: shooter on July 02, 2020, 12:05:09 pm
Quote
any advice

dust up your woodworking skills, mechanical engineering........ :icon_biggrin:

If the amps good, that's what counts, beer ring are easily overlooked
Title: Re: Replace top board on AC-15 question??
Post by: TIMBO on July 02, 2020, 05:46:10 pm
I would think a new cab is in order.....

Title: Re: Replace top board on AC-15 question??
Post by: sluckey on July 02, 2020, 05:51:58 pm
+1

You can't fix rotten sawdust.
Title: Re: Replace top board on AC-15 question??
Post by: musicbox on July 02, 2020, 07:36:49 pm
I would think a new cab is in order.....
The thing is I live in Taiwan and I have minimal access to wood working tools. I was just wondering if the top panel can be removed and replaced. In lieu of replacing the entire cabinet, (which would cost me as much or more than the amp itself), is it doable and how?
Title: Re: Replace top board on AC-15 question??
Post by: musicbox on July 02, 2020, 07:38:54 pm
Does anyone know if the top panel is attached any way to the chassis? 
Title: Re: Replace top board on AC-15 question??
Post by: musicbox on July 02, 2020, 07:40:47 pm
Quote
any advice

dust up your woodworking skills, mechanical engineering........ :icon_biggrin:

If the amps good, that's what counts, beer ring are easily overlooked
Hi, where would the mechanical engineering skills be required? Is there something that I am missing or are you referring to an entire cabinet rebuild?
Title: Re: Replace top board on AC-15 question??
Post by: musicbox on July 02, 2020, 07:55:25 pm
+1

You can't fix rotten sawdust.
It is not an old amp. Only the top was damaged. The rest of the wood is fine
Title: Re: Replace top board on AC-15 question??
Post by: shooter on July 03, 2020, 08:16:13 am
Quote
the wood
is most likely glue pressed sawdust, so if you want the cab to last 20 more years, use real wood.  your rig though you might like the beat up road tired look, in that case stickers might be cool
 

Title: Re: Replace top board on AC-15 question??
Post by: musicbox on July 03, 2020, 08:57:11 am
Quote
the wood
is most likely glue pressed sawdust, so if you want the cab to last 20 more years, use real wood.  your rig though you might like the beat up road tired look, in that case stickers might be cool
right, my question was can the top board be removed/replaced without wrecking the entire cabinet. only the top board has damage. the rest is fine.  Looking for someone that has knowledge of Vox ac15 cabinets.
Title: Re: Replace top board on AC-15 question??
Post by: sluckey on July 03, 2020, 09:30:11 am
Short answer is NO.

You must first remove the black tolex covering just to get to the particle board cabinet. This process is very likely to damage the tolex and the underlying particle board. Once the particle board is exposed you may be able to cut out the damaged top piece and replace. At this point you will probably want to put the tolex back on. You'll need new tolex because it will be impossible to reinstall the old stuff. This is just a condensed explanation. The actual process will be quite involved.

All this requires a variety of woodworking tools and experienced hands. I suspect that since you are even asking, you don't have either.
Title: Re: Replace top board on AC-15 question??
Post by: pdf64 on July 03, 2020, 09:45:53 am
And where else did the water find its way to - bottom panel, speaker cone?
Water doesn’t usually stop at the top  :wink:
Title: Re: Replace top board on AC-15 question??
Post by: musicbox on July 03, 2020, 10:51:43 am
And where else did the water find its way to - bottom panel, speaker cone?
Water doesn’t usually stop at the top  :wink:
After opening it up and removing the chassis, there are some rusted out screws on the speaker mount but no damage to the speaker. also the reverb tank bag screws are rusted out. a little rust on the outside of the transformer too which is a little scary but does not appear to have damaged it at all. 
Title: Re: Replace top board on AC-15 question??
Post by: musicbox on July 03, 2020, 10:55:45 am
Short answer is NO.

You must first remove the black tolex covering just to get to the particle board cabinet. This process is very likely to damage the tolex and the underlying particle board. Once the particle board is exposed you may be able to cut out the damaged top piece and replace. At this point you will probably want to put the tolex back on. You'll need new tolex because it will be impossible to reinstall the old stuff. This is just a condensed explanation. The actual process will be quite involved.

All this requires a variety of woodworking tools and experienced hands. I suspect that since you are even asking, you don't have either.
thanks, I think I am going to think about just cutting out the damaged area and replacing it. Although, not in any hurry as it has not effected the amp structurally. The handle is still securely in place and the rest of the structure is pretty solid. just looks like crap
Title: Re: Replace top board on AC-15 question??
Post by: sluckey on July 03, 2020, 11:21:26 am
Please show us a pic of the finished project.