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Tips for cleaning Tolex?

M

Motorhead Mark

Mar 7, 2004
301
0
54
The HAMMER, Canada
www.myspace.com
#1
Well, I just got my old YBA-1A Mk II back from the shop and I am loving it. New tubes, new fan, handle etc etc, however, I thought they would've cleaned it up a bit. I mean, my mechanic does it with my car, and my luthier does it to my guitars, so...


How do I help make my amp's tolex look like new again, besides resurfacing that is? Any types of cleansers work better than other? Any to avoid?

So lets hear some ideas....
 
#4
Use a good quality automotive vinyl cleaner, I like Griot's, and a soft brush to get into the nooks and crannies.Wipe with a clean paper towel or rag. Finish with a coat of quality vinyl dressing. Works for me. :)
 
#5
hey there,
I found an old acoustic 450 head in a used music store. All the grooves on the surface were grey from years of dust. the vinyl seemed pretty durable so I used water and a midium strangth brissle toothbrush. I went over a small location then dried then repeated the process. Every so often I let all the water dry (beer break), when you do this you can see the spots you missed. This process took me 2hrs (i'm a vergo) had to be perfect. Now the head looks like it is now new even thou it's 30. Like mentioned above use armour-all if you want to shine. I used it and I smiled when I saw the instant results.

joke time....
ear plugs are like condoms, you would rather not wear them but they will save your butt in the long run.

later.......
 
#7
I personally recommend against Armor All. Over time it can turn some things like rubber and vinyl brown.

My method is using a bristle brush that is as stiff as a medium toothbrush like c12345678 mentioned above. However, I get the biggest brush I can to make the work go quicker. Then, I use water only to scrub it down till its clean. After it is dry I use Meguiars Natural Shine rubber/vinyl protectant. The Natural Shine stuff gives it a low gloss "new" look instead of the typical Armor All "wet" look. Another plus is that it doesn't attrack dust like the Armor All.
 
#9
I don't know what is the best to clean tolex with. But with car cleaners all the one for cleaning plastics have a downside. They fade again. The soltion on cars is clean well. I mean extremely. Like auto show clean on the plastics. Then apply a UV protectant. That slows down the fading allot.

I like Meguiars or Mothers. I found Mothers Back To Black. The best thing for cleaning plastics. And Meguiars Gold Class Protectant. To be the best. They have wipes, too ( allot easier than the spray ). They also have a vinyl/rubber spefic one I saw on their site. That was the best combination for my Volvo S60 ( notorious plastic fader with horrible customer service centers never ever buy one, lol )
 
#11
Kelly Lee said:
I personally recommend against Armor All. Over time it can turn some things like rubber and vinyl brown.

My method is using a bristle brush that is as stiff as a medium toothbrush like c12345678 mentioned above. However, I get the biggest brush I can to make the work go quicker. Then, I use water only to scrub it down till its clean. After it is dry I use Meguiars Natural Shine rubber/vinyl protectant. The Natural Shine stuff gives it a low gloss "new" look instead of the typical Armor All "wet" look. Another plus is that it doesn't attrack dust like the Armor All.
Click to expand...

awesome, kel, :cool:
 

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