SWR Amp revamp

[Bassmonkey]

I recently picked up a really cheap SWR LA8 practice amp. It sounds OK but was covered in carpet which had attracted local cats and hence was pretty shabby. 

I decided to attempt a recover. Looked on You Tube and it seems pretty straightforward? what's the worse that could happen eh?

It initially looked like this (stock pic, I cracked on without taking one)

I got to work stripping it of its parts and then using a hot iron, removed the horrible fuzzy carpet.

This left me with a carcass which I then sanded to remove all the old glue and tufts etc.

This presented a problem - the grille and speaker support were glued and pinned in place.

I tried to drill out the staples all around the cab however, try as I might, I couldn't move the two panels.

Eventually - I was fired to use brute force to remove, and destroy,  them both. Cue loads of filling and sanding but it's now starting to look and feel smooth once again.

I bought a couple of replacement pieces from B&Q who cut them to exact size - less than a fiver. 

Next job - cut out holes for the speaker as well as the frame for the new grille cloth.

Pics to follow.......cheers 

 

Edited May 16, 2018 by Bassmonkey
Pics added

[Pea Turgh]

Cool!  Been thinking about doing this just for sh#ts and giggles!

What do you plan to cover it with?

[Bassmonkey]

Yeah bought some cream tolex and orange grille cloth. Should look pretty. 

[Bassmonkey]

After lots of sanding and filling, I have cut out the new grille frame and baffle then covered with the new tolex. Used a spread on contact adhesive for the panel then spray on for the tolex. Rollered it flat to secure. It's never coming off!  

I stapled on the new grille cloth. I Like that look.

Now I have tp re-secure the baffle and then the bit I am most worried about - measuring and sticking on the rest of the tolex. 

[Bassmonkey]

Finished at last. I'm quite happy for my first attempt. Followed a You Tube video for the covering. To be honest my corners aren't that good, thankfully mostly hidden by the metal corner caps. Was a labour of love, probably cost me way more than it's worth but I'm a happy cat. Finished with a Lotus badge ..... just because I could ha ha. Hope you like it. Andy  

[jebroad]

Nice job

[stu_g]

i have a workingmans 12 which my cats love to cover in fur,the blighters.

[Bassmonkey]

47 minutes ago, stu_g said:

i have a workingmans 12 which my cats love to cover in fur,the blighters.

Yeah. This had fallen foul of malicious moggies when I bought it which was partly why I decided on a strip and recover 

[SpondonBassed]

OI!  Malicious Moggies was going to be the name of my next band...

Hahahahaha.  The term made me smile.

I like how it's come out.  I've seen factory products that have passed QC that don't look as good.  You needn't worry.  Nice touch with the Lotus badge.

[Bassmonkey]

Thx Spondonbassed. Appreciate it. Andy