TOS Chassis Recommendations?

[theundeadelvis]

Hey guys! I'm finally getting ready to tackle the TOS, and was wondering if everyone was punching their own chassis or if there was a pre-punched chassis that would work with this particular build? I'm guessing the pre-punched chassis is pretty unlikely. Does anyone have chassis plans they would be willing to share, or any advice to lessen the chance of me wasting a box? Everyone's suggestions are always greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[tubenit]

I can't find the photos I originally took that showed the blank chassis 20 x 8 x 2.5 that was punched.  (Turretboards blank)

My TOS was originally a D-HRM. And now my TOS has evolved to have a cathode follower behind the 5879 which I highly recommend.  You can probably mount that on a terminal strip if needed.

This is the best I can do to give you an idea.  The photobucket exterior chassis shot has changed since another tube was added.

http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c216/tubenit/?action=view&current=frontpanelchassis.jpg

Don't follow the photos exactly ........... they're just there to help give you an idea of a starting place.

With respect, Tubenit

[theundeadelvis]

Thanks tubenit! Since I'm going to be ordering the transformers from here, and the Super Reverb PT is Z mount, is there any reason (other than cost) to not use a pre-punched Super Reverb chassis? They only seem to be about 3" wider than what you used. Thanks again!

[tubenit]

I'm not familiar with the Super Reverb chassis?  If it has enough holes for the pots and tubes like you want, that would be a good choice, I think. You can always make a face plate for it to suit your needs.  Hoffman carries great products so buying that from him could be a good solution!

With respect, Tubenit

[theundeadelvis]

Thanks tubenit! The Blackface Super Reverb should have more than enough holes, and is already punched for the Z mount tranny. It's $80, but that will probably pay for itself by saving me time and much frustration. Pretty much everything else will come from here. Thanks!

[Tone Junkie]

Yea if just get a front plate made thats fits the original holes will save lots of time Im getting better at putting all the holes and everything else in but I bought hole punches I shurly did not save any money that way, but my holes are much nicer. I built mine on a music man chassis that was the same thing basicaly that you are looking at.
It working well for size.
Thanks Bill

[TIMBO]

Hi the elvis that lives, I get my chassis made only because in have a lot of metal work done for my business and i also find that its cheep and i can position parts better. Its a bit more work but i can some times do it when i am at work.I built the first TOS with a few added bits but when i get time i am going to rebuild it more to tubenits latest version. I've done some layouts and found i can even resue the circuit board. Good luck with the build 

[theundeadelvis]

Thanks guys!

[nateflanigan]

I used a bassman chassis from mojo, hole wise it works out perfectly if you only use one input jack and use the other holes for pots.  If you decide to go that route I have a faceplate I had custom made for it that I'm not using.  I keep meaning to make a post about it, I'd be happy to pass it along to some one else if they covered the shipping.

[theundeadelvis]

Wow Nate, that would be awesome! So you used the blackface bassman chassis? I can paypal you for the shipping or mail you a check if you prefer. Do you have a picture of the faceplate? Thanks!

[nateflanigan]

You can email me at nate(at)nationalmechanics(dot)com

I'll send you a pic later tonight when I get home, ToneJunkie is interested as well so let me know if you change your mind.

So you used the blackface bassman chassis?

Yes, the holes for pots and transformers worked out great, if I were to do it over again I'd mount the board as far to the left as possible.  It was really tricky cramming in the boards for the relay and its power supply.