To Re-Tolex or Not To Re-Tolex

[Basslice]

I brought a salvage Ampeg B-25 head back to life. It sounds sweet. My new little favorite in my studio.

The Tolex is ripped in a few places exposing the ancient plywood of the box. After already going to great lengths to restore the amp, I am wondering if I should re-do the Tolex or not.

Any opinions or advice?

 

[Redbrangus]

No harder than it is to do a head cab, and given that you've restored the amp, and that it's for a studio rather than a club, I'd say go for it.

 

[BassmanPaul]

Leave it be - it has Mojo that way!

 

[S-Bigbottom]

I am stuck in between.

Looks like there is enough in the chips to just reglue it down, then a gentle washing and it will look fantastic.
Think that is now where I am leaning.

Yup, just a cleaning and patch down with what is there, leave what is not alone.

Screw it!
Redo it all.

Na... Leave it as is.

Grrr...
I am going to go eat a carrot.

 

[gitfiddl]

I say leave it be. The few that I've personally recovered turned out great to everyone's eye but mine, and the very minor imperfections bugged me more than the old torn Tolex did.

 

[Basslice]

So far the poll is split, which makes me feel good since it confirms my own feelings. I like Bigbottom's assessment quite a bit...

Grrr...
I am going to go eat a carrot.

I will wait for more opinions and maybe go with the majority - being an election year and all....

 

[StereoPlayer]

I did Duratex on my old head. I don’t think I have the skills for tolex. I’m happy.
I didn’t vote.

 

[mattbass6945]

Glue any loose edges down. Rock it as is. It's a beauty, but it's a work horse too.

 

[Wasnex]

Tidy up the existing tolex. It's not actually that bad.

If you redo the tolex, will you also redo the front panel? I think they currently match pretty well. If the tolex was perfect, will the patina of the panel bother you?

Instead worrying about what other people think, I suggest you do what you think is best .

 

[Killing Floor]

I'd do it. I've worn cabs to shreds but since you're asking I'd sweeten it up. Make it look as good as it sounds.

 

[lowphatbass]

Glue any loose edges down. Rock it as is. It's a beauty, but it's a work horse too.

Yea. Clean it up a bit, stabilize the frayed edges. I’d consider that still “good condition”.

 

[Basslice]

Tidy up the existing tolex. It's not actually that bad.

If you redo the tolex, will you also redo the front panel? I think they currently match pretty well. If the tolex was perfect, will the patina of the panel bother you?

Instead worrying about what other people think, I suggest you do what you think is best .

Good point. I am literally on the fence though. I tend to go down the Rabbit Hole on things (not that it ever stops me). I have also been thinking about redoing the panel (another poll? NO!!).

When I got it all the knobs were gone and I had to replace 4 of the front pots and put on almost-original knobs. Vast improvement when that was done alone!

 

[BasturdBlaster]

I think it looks good, I was expecting much worse before I saw the pics

 

[Basslice]

I did Duratex on my old head. I don’t think I have the skills for tolex. I’m happy.
I didn’t vote.
View attachment 4029547
View attachment 4029549 View attachment 4029550 View attachment 4029552

I love that look. I have read up on Duratex and I think doing it well is beyond my equipment holding and pay-grade (painting skill). I will look into it again though...

 

[beans-on-toast]

I would re-tolex it.

It’ll look like new, smell better, not have someone else’s deep dirt on it, give you something to do.

 

[StereoPlayer]

I love that look. I have read up on Duratex and I think doing it well is beyond my equipment holding and pay-grade (painting skill). I will look into it again though...

It's actually pretty easy. After prepping the cabinet.

 

[sedan_dad]

I not aware of any source for the correct grain vintage Ampeg vinyl.

 

[beans-on-toast]

I’m not aware of any source for the correct grain vintage Ampeg vinyl.

The exact vintage vinyl is not available. I use Marshall Black Levant from Antique Electronics. Comparable weight, looks good.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

I brought a salvage Ampeg B-25 head back to life. It sounds sweet. My new little favorite in my studio.

The Tolex is ripped in a few places exposing the ancient plywood of the box. After already going to great lengths to restore the amp, I am wondering if I should re-do the Tolex or not.

Any opinions or advice?
View attachment 4029225 View attachment 4029226 View attachment 4029227

Nah, gives it mojo. Id just crazy glue the tears so it helps it from ripping more for no real reason, and leave it looking well toured.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

I not aware of any source for the correct grain vintage Ampeg vinyl.

Flip tops got everything