(Stupid) question about rat fur maintenance

[Inconnu]

Hi there! I’m looking at used amps and a turn off if rat fur style tolex that look like a wool shirt that went in the dryer too many times.

Any idea if it’s possible to restore that type of finish?

 

[JimmyM]

Hair trimmers?

 

[two fingers]

Sweater trimmer and black/grey paint.

 

[Inconnu]

Hair trimmers?

Ok, maybe…

seems a bit funny, but I’m looking at a 90’s Trace Elliot (not sure yet, a bit heavy) and the rat fur if the main turn off (with the weight).

 

[Zooberwerx]

Hair trimmers?

Yep. I have a Windmere clothes shaver that does the trick. Or drag it down to the corner day spa for a Brazilian wax.

Riis

 

[beans-on-toast]

Vacuum first. I use a fingernail brush and a little mild soap and water. Don’t soak it. Then shave it.

Cabs can be reskinned. Rat fur is not always easy to strip off. If you have a cat, they may be willing to help.

 

[JimmyM]

Vacuum first. I use a fingernail brush and a little mild soap and water. Don’t soak it. Then shave it.

Cabs can be reskinned. Rat fur is not always easy to strip off. If you have a cat, they may be willing to help.

I can vouch for the cat.

 

[bobcruz]

Beard trimmer works great if you don't have a sweater shaver.

 

[Riff Ranger]

This has been a helpful and amusing thread.

 

[Chickenwheels]

Yep. I’ve used hair clippers on SWR cabs. Many moons ago.

 

[Lujon]

Disposable bic razor will take the fuzzies off, and some masking tape will grab a lot of the leftover dirt and hair. No joke, I did this last month and it works pretty well.

 

[Ben Clarke]

I discovered that a damp microfiber cloth works absolute wonders, and is quick and easy. Pulls pet hair right off too. Seriously. Try it.

 

[KJMO]

I used a Wahl on a hideous Hartke XL 4x10 and I didn't think it would help, but it do.

 

[Clark W]

Hi there! I’m looking at used amps and a turn off if rat fur style tolex that look like a wool shirt that went in the dryer too many times.

Any idea if it’s possible to restore that type of finish?

If rat fur isn't your thing but you like the cab, rip the eat fur off of it. Sand the sides and then paint it with duratex bed liner.

 

[BaileyMan]

From what I've read in threads on TB, removing rat fur is a whole lot easier said than done.

My $.02 is to wait for a different cab to show up that meets your preferences.

 

[1958Bassman]

Hi there! I’m looking at used amps and a turn off if rat fur style tolex that look like a wool shirt that went in the dryer too many times.

Any idea if it’s possible to restore that type of finish?

Tolex is vinyl, rat fur is the cheap amp covering that gets fuzzy.

It's not difficult to remove if it's really past repair- they used contact cement. Once it's off and the remaining fuzz is left, you can use coarse sandpaper to get rid of that and make it smooth enough to allow recovering with something better. I suggest the black version used by car stereo shops for covering subwoofer cabinets- it's a tighter weave, is durable and not expensive.

Whatever you get- make sure it doesn't stretch easily- that is a good way to find the better quality material. It's often called 'trunk lining because it's used for, you guessed it, lining the trunks of cars. It also cuts well- pay attention to the way the old stuff was applied and use Weldwoof contact cement if you can get it- water-based contact cement isn't very good. You can roll, brush or spray it on and if you have a compressor, I strongly recommend spraying. Even if you don't have a spray gun, Harbor Freight has them and they're cheap. I know you're in Canada, but someone up there should have it.

Carpet (just to show the material)-
https://www.parts-express.com/search?order=relevance:desc&keywords=speaker cabinet carpet

Go to a car stereo shop and ask if they'll sell it to you or, if it's cheap enough, they can recover the cabinet for you.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

From what I've read in threads on TB, removing rat fur is a whole lot easier said than done.

My $.02 is to wait for a different cab to show up that meets your preferences.

This.

 

[ToneMonkey]

Shave the rat fur with a disposable razor. It'll cost you less than a buck. I used to recycle my used shaving razors as rat fur razors. It really works. But rat fur is still a deal-breaker for me these days.

 

[FronTowardEnemy]

Hair clippers work wonders. Used them without fail.

 

[micguy]

Blow torch and start over. Rat fur is just.....ick.