How to install older GK RB 4-800 rack ears

[Funkster]

I'm dumbfounded,, I must be an idiot. I can't for the life of me figure out how to install Older GK RB 4 and 800 rack ears. I have both kits and they come with threaded screws but on the side of both heads there are no threaded screw holes and what gives? Do I drill and tap my own holes or are the older ones made to not be racked?
I'm stumped....
Help??

[velascorp]

I had the same problem with my rb200 and 400 in the 80's. If I remember correctly, You need to completely remove the side panels of the amp (2 screws up ,2 down) and install the rack ears/ new sides in place of. It's easy to replce the original if and when you need to. Good luck my friend. MV

[Kirkowitz]

Originally Posted by velascorp

I had the same problem with my rb200 and 400 in the 80's. If I remember correctly, You need to completely remove the side panels of the amp (2 screws up ,2 down) and install the rack ears/ new sides in place of. It's easy to replce the original if and when you need to. Good luck my friend. MV

Yep, I remember the same thing. You have to remove the sides of the amp and the new rack ears are the new sides. All the holes should line up once you remove the sides.

[Funkster]

Aaahhhh I must have the wrong rack ears. Damn!!!! I must have them for the newer GK's Well that just throws a wrench in the plans.

[XtraLongScale]

I bumbled into that situation myself a while ago. I bought a set of newer rack ears for my older 800RB only to discover that it needs the rack ear side panels. I gave up and use it standalone (no big deal for me) but I read somewhere that one can use a slotted/perforated rackshelf and screw the bottom plate of the head from under the shelf. That should get you to rack mount bliss for not alot of dough.

[Funkster]

I was just thinking of drilling into the existing side panels and adapting the newer rack ears to the older head. Hec I might just sell both the 800 and 400 and just buy a newer back up head that i can rack up..

[lbwdog]

The rack ears ARE the side panels. You must remove old panels, then replace with the rack ear panels.
IIRC, they are not mirror imaged either, so you have to use the one made for the right side ON the right side.

This is the way it is on my 1987 800RB but they might have changed it since.

[lbwdog]

OK....Just looked at The Store on G-K's site, and the ear kit they depict is not like the original panels for older RBs. I guess they did change it at some point 'cause it's listed as being for an 800RB II. Older styles are probably out of production, but I'd call G-K and ask. They've always been very helpful to me.

[Wes Whitmore]

It sounds like you can drill your own holes into the rack ears and use the stock screws. Make sure you have at least 3 screws in the rack ear if you can. Also, make sure that there is enough width in your amp rack to displace the extra width of the ears attached. There probably should be, but it's worth checking before you start drilling.
With the amp on it's end so one side is up, I usually take a piece clear report card protector and cut it to the size of the side of the amp and mark the holes with a sharpie. Label left, right, top and bottom on the template just in case you need it. Then I lay the rack ear right on top of that (creating a little sandwich) like I want it to be aligned when it's screwed on, then I put a couple of pieces of tape connecting the rack ear to the template. Then I pick up the taped ear/template assemply and flip it over, and drill out the sharpie holes, then put it all back together using the stock screws. Good luck!
Wes
Wes

[Funkster]

Thanks guys. I did exactly what Wes said and the results were perfect. I drilled and tapped my own holes in the exesting side panel and installed the newer rack ears and it worked excellent.. Good to go. Thanks again.

[Wes Whitmore]

That's awesome! You work quickly...
Wes

[Funkster]

Thanks man I have a great set of tools at my disposal.