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Question about Ampeg B15n Cab repair

natrontheape

natrontheape

Guest
Mar 2, 2012
70
21
Charlottesville, VA
#1
So... I have been fixing up the cabinet for my recently acquired Ampeg B15n. The amp itself is recently restored and quite glorious, but the top gasket needed replaced badly and I was hearing a terrible buzz at loud volumes which I think I have isolated to a split joint along the top of the cab. I have taken the whole thing apart and glued/clamped the joint, but when doing so, I realized that there is an exposed hole at the bottom of the cabinet where the dolly is connected.

I read through the portaflex wiki, and i'm thinking this hole should not be exposed. Does anyone know what material I should use to repair this? i'm thinking some kind of hard rubber. I'm also interested in what kind of adhesive will really hold this on and not allow the bolt to puncture through it if/when i re-attach the dolly. all input is appreciated. Here is a pic of the top horizontal part of the cab being clamped (it was totally disconnected once i removed the corner) and the offending hole at the bottom of the cab... how should I address the latter?

IMG_1597.JPG


IMG_1591.JPG
 
#2
You are absolutely correct, and that hole can be a major source of rattle, too. There is a rubber grommet that goes over the hole and seals it when you aren't using a dolly. I tried to find it on www.fliptops.net and bailed after a minute, but I know they sell them or did at one time.
 
#3
I use a 2" diameter piece of 1/16" rubber for that seal in my cabinets. I apply super glue in 3 concentric circles to attach them but I'm pretty sure you could use Titebond as well. Ideally there should not be a problem with the bolt wanting to poke through the seal. I have attached a drawing that shows what the cabinet/dolly connection should look like. This drawing assumes the following - 1/2" thick dolly board, 1" tall rubber feet, foot cups in the bottom of the cabinet, and a 2" attachment bolt with a washer between the knob and the bottom of the dolly board.

Dolly Connection.jpg
 
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#4
Vintage-Blue said:
I use a 2" diameter piece of 1/16" rubber for that seal in my cabinets. I apply super glue in 3 concentric circles to attach them but I'm pretty sure you could use Titebond as well. Ideally there should not be a problem with the bolt wanting to poke through the seal. I have attached a drawing that shows what the cabinet/dolly connection should look like. This drawing assumes the following - 1/2" thick dolly board, 1" tall rubber feet, foot cups in the bottom of the cabinet, and a 2" attachment bolt with a washer between the knob and the bottom of the dolly board.

View attachment 999842
Click to expand...
Had one of Mark's cabs for 8 years now (wow, it's been that long???) and his method works like a charm!
 
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#5
I knew this was the place to ask! Thanks so much for your comments gents. I had already combed fliptops since that's where i picked up the top gasket, but it appears they no longer sell this item. I thought maybe it was bundled with the dolly parts, but hadn't had a chance to call yet. I was about to buy some possibly inferior material but Vintage-Blue came through and saved me the trouble!

What an awesome post with the diagram too. TB is the best ever. Thanks so much. Can't wait to get this thing rocking again!
 
#6
natrontheape said:
I knew this was the place to ask! Thanks so much for your comments gents. I had already combed fliptops since that's where i picked up the top gasket, but it appears they no longer sell this item. I thought maybe it was bundled with the dolly parts, but hadn't had a chance to call yet. I was about to buy some possibly inferior material but Vintage-Blue came through and saved me the trouble!

What an awesome post with the diagram too. TB is the best ever. Thanks so much. Can't wait to get this thing rocking again!
Click to expand...

You can never have enough clamps.


Two sections were added to the technical cabinet section of the wiki. I used one of your images to illustrate a deteriorated gasket. Thanks.

Here are the links:

Lid Gasket

Cabinet Bottom Seal

BTW, if you have any additional questions, you can post them in the Ampeg Portaflex club thread: Official Ampeg Portaflex Club
 
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