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Good points... The number one thing was for me to recognize that I am not a pro, and, unless I was going to invest in tools, materials, and equipment, I needed to be satisfied with "good enough". It's going to look great from the stage, good generally, but with flaws apparent under close inspection. Good enough would have to be good enough.
I have a real heat gun. It was only like $25 and worth way more considering how much I spend to experiment with solvents and sanding pads. The heat gun did the job easily. Next cabinet, I'm going to try to pull up the fur by coaxing it up with a scraper and the magic heat gun.
Once the glue residue was off, it was way easy to sand and then do the wood filler and sand again.
Some were concerned about the radius on the edges, but they weren't really a problem. Again, as long as I'm not doing this for a living, it was good enough for me.
The seams location was a bit of an accident. I was going to make one seam dead center on the bottom. But I somehow, despite measuring multiple times, cut it just about 1/4" short (dang). But it was a fortunate accident. I had to use a bottom sheet and put two seams which are now hidden from front view by the corner hardware, about 3/4" from the edge.
I also didn't put much effort into getting the corners perfect. I could have melted them down and cut them very carefully. I watched several videos and thought I had it worked out in my head... alas, easier watched then done. But, once again, corner hardware to the rescue.
I think the glue was Titan... I have to check. The drying period was pretty quick (about 25 minutes). However, I needed help to place the tolex sheet, and, of course, we missed the mark and had to re-position it. It did pull up some of the adhesive which had me worried that it would be all lumpy under the tolex. Nope. It smoothed out.
On the 210 that I plan to do over the next weeks, I generally know more what I'm getting into. The fur/glue removal will be easier. I know how I'm going to handle the seams. I also have a better idea of what details I'm going to sweat or not.
For glue, I usually use a water based contact cement. On cabinets where I’m concerned about the glue sticking well, I use a solve t based contact cement.
It helps to use a tile J-roller to press the vinyl down after hanging it.
One good trick that I learned, one the adhesive is applied, lie the vinyl down on a flat surface, align the cabinet, and tip the cabinet down onto it.
It helps to use a tile J-roller to press the vinyl down after hanging it.
One good trick that I learned, one the adhesive is applied, lie the vinyl down on a flat surface, align the cabinet, and tip the cabinet down onto it.
Because it was smaller and lighter, I figured I could do it without removing the cones and keep the wiring intact.
I was able to do that, but it would have been much easier if I had the know how to just completely empty the cabinet.
The fur from the 210 was way easier to remove too and there was less surface damage to the plywood.
I wish I had a work table/bench for stuff like this. I revert to doing it on the floor, so there is a lot of squatting and kneeling.
I will never ever ever ever buy any bass amp or cab covered in Rat Hair! I don't know why manufacturers subjected us bass players to have it be put on our cabs-it must have been real cheap to buy. It is real junk.
No, really. I was thinking lighter fluid all over it, torch it off, then hose it down before it burns the wood. Well, too late for that, but I have a hunch that acetone would take off the residue. Wear gloves and do it outside.
Keep away from the Coleman fuel, it has a very low flashpoint; laquer thinner has toluene which is a carcinogen.Which solvents did you try? I suggest lacquer thinner, acetone (as mentioned), white gas (Coleman fuel). I'd also try more heat (as suggested) while scraping. There are some good suggestions already. Surprising, though, how many people tell you to try what you already tried . . .
MEK or Xylex might be the best choice, also bad for you, so use outdoors.
If it was me, I would just build a new box; it'll be far less labor.
just put it in a room with a bunch of cats....they'll rip it all off!
Im doing this to an SWR 810 right now. It's a lot of elbow grease and time, but I'm going at it ok. I have the time and patience (for the most part 
) and I'm really looking forward to seeing it when it's done. I'm going to stain mine though. And then make a new grill cover.
) and I'm really looking forward to seeing it when it's done. I'm going to stain mine though. And then make a new grill cover.
I know this is an old one, but it's certainly a nasty substance. I used it to strip multiple layers of paint off a car hood. Never again (hopefully)...
