Ampeg B-15S Restoration Project

phatbass1 · #1 04-08-2011, 04:08 PM

So I'm starting my next restoration project...this time it is a old B-15S Portaflex. They were made between 1968 and 1977. This one is missing the amp and has a EV replacement 15" speaker. Its in rough shape but not for long. I'll be doing some shoping on-line for a vintage correct amp and at "Fliptops.com" for the tolex, casters, corners, grill and handles. I'm open for any suggestions you guys might have on where to look for the amp, tubes and like that. I'll add pictures as I go to show progress.

phatbass1 · #2 04-08-2011, 04:10 PM

Just a couple more "Before " pictures

JimmyM · #3 04-08-2011, 10:13 PM

it's Welcome to Fliptops -- Parts for Ampeg and other Vintage Amp Lovers . com sends you to a search engine.

looks like a fixer upper, but a fun project. orphaned heads pop up now and then. that one looks like an early one with either blue line or black line head, but a magnavox head will also work fine. the speaker to use in those is the altec 421a. those thiele cabs can be a little upper mid shy, and the altec has strong upper mids, so it evens out. however, i'll bet an old ev also kicks pretty nicely.

phatbass1 · #4 04-09-2011, 07:13 AM

I saw an orphaned head on ebay with no tubes and one defective transformer for about $150. I'm gonna keep looking for a complete one that works...I'm no service tech! My plan is to restore this one and sell it rather than keep and use it like I did with my last project 1969 SVT-810 Straight Back. I'm thinking about putting a "Wanted" ad in my local craigslist for the amp and see what happens. Anyway...cabinet work first.

77PBass · #5 04-10-2011, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phatbass1

I saw an orphaned head on ebay with no tubes and one defective transformer for about $150. I'm gonna keep looking for a complete one that works...I'm no service tech!

Replacing the transformers is so much easier these days. I believe Mojotone make exact replacements....potted in a replica case for these amps. A few solder joints, turn some screws and you're in. Unfortunately, by the time you get these project heads, they need cap jobs and maybe a resistor or two.