If anyone was ever curious about the subject, I replaced the tolex on my Ampeg 8x10 Classic cabinet. After almost 5 years of road use, it was pretty nicked up along the sides and bottom.
After doing some research, I knew that replacing the Tolex would be difficult. You'd have to cut perfect pieces (how?) and there basically folded seams on at least two of the sides. I knew it would be beyond my expertise.
After doing some research, I found out that removing the Tolex and replacing with a Duratex finish wouldn't be that expensive or difficult.
And it wasn't! I got a gallon of it shipped with a proper texture roller for about $80.
It turned out great!
Steps:
1. Removed all the hardware (not the speakers, however, unnecessary). Pretty easy. Put all the different size screws into separate baggies and labeled them so it would be easier to put the stuff back on. I removed the electronics under the back panel as well. Not hard. Just clips on.
2. Removed Tolex. The Tolex was harded to remove than I imagined. The glue is very uneven underneath. I basically used a razor to cut horizontal strips, loosened and end with a spackle tool, and then used a hair dryer to start to slowly peel it back. However in some cases, the backing still came off and I had to go back with the flat tool and the hair dryer to scrape away pieces here and there. Total time: 3-4 hours
3. Sanded the entire cabinet. The remaining Tolex glue made this a necessary step. I used a belt sander and a lot of belts!! Total time: 2 hours
4. Filled in areas here and there with vinyl spackle. Areas with imperfects in the wood. Small gouges. Let dry and sanded them. Total time: 30-45 minutes
5. Put on a coat of Duratex per day for 3 days (to let each coat dry).
6. Put hardware back on. Darn near looks new!
And of the gallon of Duratex, I probably used 10% of it. Which means I have a lot left over. For example, if I scratch an area, no problem! sand the spot down, duratex the spot. Easy.
Duratex cleaned up really easy from the roller and hands. I would recommend using clothes you don't care about when putting the stuff on. Doesn't come out of fabric from what I can tell.
Anyway, it's got a nice, textured finish to it that's as hard as nails. Duratex is not dissimilar from the stuff used for truck bedliners. Limited places to purchase it however (I got it straight from the manufacturer). Gallon was the smallest size, which is a shame because I have far more than I would ever use. You could do 10 cabinets of that size with this gallon.
I will post a picture when I get one.
After doing some research, I knew that replacing the Tolex would be difficult. You'd have to cut perfect pieces (how?) and there basically folded seams on at least two of the sides. I knew it would be beyond my expertise.
After doing some research, I found out that removing the Tolex and replacing with a Duratex finish wouldn't be that expensive or difficult.
And it wasn't! I got a gallon of it shipped with a proper texture roller for about $80.
It turned out great!
Steps:
1. Removed all the hardware (not the speakers, however, unnecessary). Pretty easy. Put all the different size screws into separate baggies and labeled them so it would be easier to put the stuff back on. I removed the electronics under the back panel as well. Not hard. Just clips on.
2. Removed Tolex. The Tolex was harded to remove than I imagined. The glue is very uneven underneath. I basically used a razor to cut horizontal strips, loosened and end with a spackle tool, and then used a hair dryer to start to slowly peel it back. However in some cases, the backing still came off and I had to go back with the flat tool and the hair dryer to scrape away pieces here and there. Total time: 3-4 hours
3. Sanded the entire cabinet. The remaining Tolex glue made this a necessary step. I used a belt sander and a lot of belts!! Total time: 2 hours
4. Filled in areas here and there with vinyl spackle. Areas with imperfects in the wood. Small gouges. Let dry and sanded them. Total time: 30-45 minutes
5. Put on a coat of Duratex per day for 3 days (to let each coat dry).
6. Put hardware back on. Darn near looks new!
And of the gallon of Duratex, I probably used 10% of it. Which means I have a lot left over. For example, if I scratch an area, no problem! sand the spot down, duratex the spot. Easy.
Duratex cleaned up really easy from the roller and hands. I would recommend using clothes you don't care about when putting the stuff on. Doesn't come out of fabric from what I can tell.
Anyway, it's got a nice, textured finish to it that's as hard as nails. Duratex is not dissimilar from the stuff used for truck bedliners. Limited places to purchase it however (I got it straight from the manufacturer). Gallon was the smallest size, which is a shame because I have far more than I would ever use. You could do 10 cabinets of that size with this gallon.
I will post a picture when I get one.
