Opinions regarding customisation/restoration

Ariabasser · #1 01-01-2013, 12:56 PM

I just picked up an old (81-84; the years when it can't be accurately dated, go figure) SVT-810e, and although the speakers are in phenomenal condition, the Tolex was a bit worse for wear. Now I've already stripped the Tolex off, and now I'm looking to re-finish it. I've actually been planning to Plasti-Dip it, and I've been getting mixed opinions from multiple players. Some say they've done it with their cabs and had no problems, so just say "oh that'll be cool, do it", and just one has said "well you know, you may not want to, because you run the risk of muffling your sound". So what do you guys think?
Is it a good idea? Even if it does affect the tone, will it be enough to be noticeable?

Thanks for any input I receive.

BassmanPaul · #2 01-01-2013, 01:07 PM

Are you talking Duratex here?? The finish should have very little impact on the sound of the cabinet.

Ariabasser · #3 01-01-2013, 01:21 PM

Plasti Dip, the synthetic rubber coating spray. The layer wouldn't be any thicker than the Tolex that was previously on the cab.

BassmanPaul · #4 01-01-2013, 01:36 PM

Having never heard of the product I can give no opinion. I question the durability of the finish.

singlemalt · #5 01-01-2013, 01:48 PM

That's going to take a lot of plastic dip!

I'd suggest the Duratex route, because it's been a great product for me and many others.

A gallon would put many coats on your 8-10 cab, and you'd still have left over product for touch up.

Consider also: little to no smell, quick drying and re-coat in average temps, warm water cleanup. I've used this stuff indoors at the kitchen table, it's less stinky than regular indoor latex house paint.

It looks great and gives a semi gloss, textured finish. Just use the suggested roller and you'll get great results. If you order white, it can be tinted at your local paint store for a custom color.

I can't say enough good things about it. I really look forward to the Duratex stage of cab building, just because the stuff is so easy to deal with. A gallon does many, many cabs with many coats.

Ariabasser · #6 01-01-2013, 01:50 PM

My buddies and I have used it on other stuff like diving weights, and it is pretty durable even getting scrubbed on rocks, corals, etc. Some people (none I know personally) have even used it on cars. Plus during my resto I'm putting on the OEM kickplate and slide-rails. So *hopefully* the durability won't be an issue. But if the finish really won't affect the tone or anything, that's good enough for me! Thanks a million for the input!

Ariabasser · #7 01-01-2013, 01:51 PM

The Duratex looked nice, but I'm a dirt-poor college student :[ And the Plasti Dip comes in red

mystic38 · #8 01-01-2013, 02:23 PM

With what you are talking about the covering of a cabinet has absolutely zero to do with the sound..

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ariabasser

My buddies and I have used it on other stuff like diving weights, and it is pretty durable even getting scrubbed on rocks, corals, etc. Some people (none I know personally) have even used it on cars. Plus during my resto I'm putting on the OEM kickplate and slide-rails. So *hopefully* the durability won't be an issue. But if the finish really won't affect the tone or anything, that's good enough for me! Thanks a million for the input!

fdeck · #9 01-01-2013, 02:25 PM

A gallon of Duratex is pricey, but you can get a smaller quantity here:

http://www.speakerhardware.com/categories.php?cat=10

My concern about the Plasti-Dip is that it will always be slightly sticky. This will make it a hassle to get in and out of your car, and also, it will be sticky until it accumulates a coating of dust and fuzz.

Ariabasser · #10 01-01-2013, 03:49 PM

I thought about the whole "getting it in and out of the car" thing, and decided I plan to be using moving blankets to slide it anyways until the band can afford a trailer for our gear and props. Not too worried about the stickiness as I have lint rollers because of my dogs, and I think I prefer the rubberised texture of the Plasti Dip to the Duratex, plus no worrying about paying extra money to a paint shop to tint it custom colors.

BassmanPaul · #11 01-01-2013, 04:07 PM

May I suggest a comb and a brush for the dogs. Lint rollers are not that efficient and the dogs get bored.

Sartori · #12 01-01-2013, 05:11 PM

I'd recommend against covering a cab in anything that's going to remain sticky for a long time. I doubt lint rollers will be enough to get the dust/fuzz off and it will eventually look worse than it did before.

JimmyM · #13 01-01-2013, 05:38 PM

If you use it long enough, the Plasti-Dip will end up looking like rat fur

Ariabasser · #14 01-01-2013, 11:01 PM

It's pleeeenty easy to clean. Again, I've used it before, just not to coat speaker cabs

JimmyM · #15 01-01-2013, 11:40 PM

I don't know man...if that's truly an early 80's cab from Japan, I'd be looking to do it a little more justice than Plasti-Dip. Then again, I covered my 73 810 in cheap black vinyl I bought at a fabric store so who am I to talk?

Of course, that was 20 years ago before we all realized how awesome the old amps were. I just wanted it to look black and not all shredded. Then over time, I shredded it.

walterw · #16 01-01-2013, 11:53 PM

i dunno, i could see the plasti-dip quickly peeling off in huge rubbery sheets.

Ariabasser · #17 01-02-2013, 12:08 AM

I think I'd be doing justice to an old badass early 80's Japanese cab by revamping it and making it look as badass as it sounds. Tolex obviously can't hold up and shreds easily. Everyone I've talked to about the Plasti Dip said it doesn't peel off of wood very easily. I think I'm pretty set on it now that I know it won't be messing up the sound. I will be posting a thread with pictures of before, during, and after with the old torn up Tolex, then bare, then sprayed, then with the new hardware, etc. I promise it won't be a disappointment to you all, unless you absolutely hate the idea of a big bright red Ampeg cab.

walterw · #18 01-02-2013, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ariabasser

Tolex obviously can't hold up and shreds easily.

"obviously"?

tolex usually lasts a very long time, unless it's deliberately abused.

JimmyM · #19 01-02-2013, 01:42 AM

I hate the idea of a big bright red Ampeg cab. I think you should use fuschia.

And +1 about the tolex. Tolex does tear if you scrape it up but you don't have to scrape it up. And everything will start to look beat if you beat it up no matter what the finish.

Sartori · #20 01-02-2013, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walterw

"obviously"?

tolex usually lasts a very long time, unless it's deliberately abused.

+1

The tolex on my 2x15 is about 40 years old and still looks pretty good.