AO-43 single channel vibrolux reverb

[Toxophilite]

I just wanted to report, for the sake of other builders, that I built an AA964 single channel vibrolux reverb with bias vary tremelo using a Hammond AO-43 chassis with an upgraded Hammond OT and it's been going strong, no sign of over heating the original Pt .


I thought I'd give it a try when I realized the Hammond AO-43 PT had the same dimensions as the Hammond replacement PT for a Vibrolux reverb.
I know size isn't everything but it certainly seems to be doing the job

[RWood]

How did you mount the power tubes?

I was just talking about this with Dude and we were wondering if octal tubes would be too close to each other.

[Toxophilite]

The first two I built were deluxes and I used the amps as is, expanding the existing 6BQ5 holes away from each other to accommodate the octal sockets. This worked fine for 6V6 but when I tried 6L6 for fun they were a little too close together.
My next one was orientated like a tweed amp with all the tube sockets on the bottom edge. As I was essentially starting anew I could space the tubes out better.

[RWood]

Thanks for the reply. I never though about mounting it tweed style and cutting new holes.

I used one in a combo setup, tubes down, with the faceplate up front but it was not ideal as the transformers are right up to the edge of the chassis. It interfered with the baffle:

 

[Toxophilite]

MY first two were like that but I yanked the old can caps and moved the OT and choke closer to the Power Transformer end of the Chassis.

[dude]

The first two I built were deluxes and I used the amps as is, expanding the existing 6BQ5 holes away from each other to accommodate the octal sockets. This worked fine for 6V6 but when I tried 6L6 for fun they were a little too close together.
My next one was orientated like a tweed amp with all the tube sockets on the bottom edge. As I was essentially starting anew I could space the tubes out better.

How close were the 6v6s to each other and the last 12Ax7 in your AO43 conversion, just drilling the existing el84 holes? Since I wanted to make a head cab, drilling new sockets on the side won't work. Do you think it would be possible to add a plate over the el84 holes and try drilling over that for more space..? Drill bit wandering most likely?  But maybe if the plate was securely attached on top with backer plate attached to bottom, could it be done...? Then remove the bottom plate if need be. Your thoughts? Would like to experiment with 6L6's and El34s, figured that AO43 PT could handle the current as it handles five tubes and a 5u4 rectifier. If it gets hot, that's a clue.


al (dude)