I have a case that is structurally fine, all the hardware works, there are no rips in the tolex. but the inside lining is falling apart. It is going to need a complete refoam and reline. Has anyone done this before with success?
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Case repair?
- Thread starter Axtman
- Start date
I called around my area and spoke to musician friends, nobody knows anyone that repairs the interior of cases. A few luggage places will replace hardware but that is about it.
Might be worth a try to check in with your local shops that do automotive or marine seat repair, or that alter motorcycle seats. They know a thing or two about foam and how to shape it is my guess.
I have relined clarinet cases Usually I can just repair what is present. I try to salvage the current lining too. I have made a couple simple linings though. When building from scratch I use home insulating foam sheets. They are lined front and back with aluminum foil, so when I use hot glue on the foam it stays intact. When gluing in the lining, I glue the edge of the liner to the case then to itself. you can do that on three sides and it makes a nice crisp edge. For the fourth the edge I use a thin sliver of wood (I have tongue depressors for this) and pry the foam away from the edge of the case and drop hot glue down in the crack. I then use the wood to push the lining down into the crack. I makes a neat seam that has always held for me. Don't use much glue to hold the lining to the foam; only apply it where the foil is, smooth the cloth into place and rub the wood over the spot to spread the glue out to get rid of any lumps AND it will cool the glue faster.
3M sells a spray foam that works well on the lining to foam bond. Isn't worth the powder it would take to blow it to kingdom come on the liner to case joint though.
3M sells a spray foam that works well on the lining to foam bond. Isn't worth the powder it would take to blow it to kingdom come on the liner to case joint though.
Last edited:
Thank you for your advice. More and more I am leaning towards just doing the repair myself. Doesn't the hot glue melt the foam? I was planning on using contact cement.
I have call and talked with a few luggage repair places. They only repair hardware (and probably retolex) they do not reline case (which is puzzling). I even spoke with a few luthiers and nobody does it or knows anyone that does. I am beginning to think this is like speaker reconing. Nowadays people don't repair stuff they just throw it out and buy new. In my case there is no new case because it is a doubleneck guitar/bass from a defunct manufacturer.
I have call and talked with a few luggage repair places. They only repair hardware (and probably retolex) they do not reline case (which is puzzling). I even spoke with a few luthiers and nobody does it or knows anyone that does. I am beginning to think this is like speaker reconing. Nowadays people don't repair stuff they just throw it out and buy new. In my case there is no new case because it is a doubleneck guitar/bass from a defunct manufacturer.
Yes the hot glue will melt the foam. That's why you only use it where there is foil over the foam. As I said in my last post, 3M makes a spray adhesive you can use. Of the foam safe spray adhesives 3M makes, the 3M Super 77 is best for your needs, it has a working time of up to 15 minutes. the 1633 is an instant bond, doesn't allow repositioning and the others have a shorter working time. The Super 77 has the advantage of using it two different ways. You can use it like contact cement and get contact cement results; or just spray one side and get the ability to reposition you work. It's really a good choice for someone that doesn't do much of this work.
Last edited:
