Installing wheels on an Ampeg SVT212AV cabinet

[fasterpussycat]

I am thinking about installing wheels/castors on my Ampeg SVT212AV cab.

Am I better off:

1. drilling through the bass of the cab, bolting on wheels and securing with loctit;

2. attaching wheels with standard wood screws?

thanks in advance.

 

[Redbrangus]

Through hardware -- nuts and bolts -- is always better for this purpose. Do use flat washers and lock washers -- I probably wouldn't use the Loctite, but it won't hurt. Fender washers are good to use against the wood on the inside, if there's room, but not absolutely necessary.

 

[CTBassGuy]

I’ll offer a 3rd option; build a small wheeled dolly/cradle to set the cab in. You can then take it out at your convenience, and will not “damage” the cab if you decide to sell in the future. My high school had an Ampeg V4 4x12 cab that they did this for and it worked beautifully. It was carpeted to keep the cab tolex scratch free and held the cab tightly in the cradle.

I did install wheels on an 80s Peavey 15” combo amp and just used wood screws through the bottom of the cabinet and it worked fine. I was less concerned about the resale on it, so I did not mind drilling into the cabinet.

 

[Theobald]

I would use push-in casters. That is what was installed on my Fender Bassman, it is sturdy and can be removed if needed.

 

[Redbrangus]

I agree with both the previous posters, that there are better options than permanently affixing wheels to a bass cab. This is speaking from the perspective of a PA guy who has spent a few decades dealing with rattling wheels on PA gear. A small hand truck is easy to deal with and can have multiple uses. There are some pretty groovy collapsible ones out there that some TB-ers tout.

 

[G On Bass]

Get a 4 wheel furniture dolly and modify that. There are lots of sizes and models available. I had one for my 2x112AV rig and it was awesome. Set it up, hook everything up, roll it where you want. Swap out casters if you want so you have a couple with locks and you're all set without potentially destroying a cab.

 

[yonkrz]

If you dont go the dolly route,do yourself a favor and get the best ones on the market which are the 3" MESA removable ones,ive had many differant types and although they cost roughly a 100 bucs they are the best thing you can get IME

 

[JACKSON JS1XM]

Get a 4 wheel furniture dolly and modify that. There are lots of sizes and models available. I had one for my 2x112AV rig and it was awesome. Set it up, hook everything up, roll it where you want. Swap out casters if you want so you have a couple with locks and you're all set without potentially destroying a cab.

That's what I did for mine, Harbor Freight.

 

[flatwound251]

A furniture dolly is definitely the best solution for most medium size cabs.

 

[fasterpussycat]

Thanks all for the input. The dolly does seem the least invasive solution.

 

[GreyBeard]

On-Stage UTC1100 Compact Utility Cart

 

[robertusf]

I had these added to the SVT 212 i used to have. It was nice to be able to roll the cabinet around. However, the placement of the casters made it easy to tip over if not careful or putting any weight on it while moving.
I would not do it again and would go with the dolly IMHO

I would use push-in casters. That is what was installed on my Fender Bassman, it is sturdy and can be removed if needed.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

I am thinking about installing wheels/castors on my Ampeg SVT212AV cab.

Am I better off:

1. drilling through the bass of the cab, bolting on wheels and securing with loctit;

2. attaching wheels with standard wood screws?

thanks in advance.

#14, Philips 3, 1 1/4", sheet metal screws.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbil...ead-Sheet-Metal-Screws-6-Pack-24991/202705855

Use a standard impact driver.

That's what I use on my castors. 212av included.

Oh, and buy 3" castors. You'll thank me later.

Amazon

 

[Tim Skaggs]

I would use push-in casters. That is what was installed on my Fender Bassman, it is sturdy and can be removed if needed.

Yes, this is the best way to go. Here is one resource; Apollo Caster Inc

 

[Wesley R]

Bingo

 

[Marko 1]

Done properly, I highly doubt adding caster would reduce the resale value of a used cab, in fact I think it would enhance it. If you don't need a dolly or cart otherwise, it would just be another thing to mess with.

The push-in casters are the best idea imo.

You can also remove just the rear ones on stage to give the cab a little tilt if you like.

 

[mikeswals]

The Mesa Track Loc caster kit is better than the old pull out casters. And they take more beating and dont have stems to bend or sockets to wallow.