Does it really make a difference? As to where the new foams are mounted?
I just watched a pair of beat-up 4343's sell on ebay for $2850...the write up to them was as follows...
Here we have a beautiful pair of JBL 4343 Studio Monitors. They have been pampered their entire life and used with a Mcintosh system. All four of the Woofers were refoamed by Speaker City in Burbank California. They are a leading repair shop and only do first class work. They have been tested and work as new. These weight in around 175 lbs each and are vaneered in hand selected Walnut. One end of each speaker is in rough shape from sitting on the floor and being moved around. The rest of the cabinets are in very good shape only showing a few compression marks. One speaker has a faint ring from a glass and some paint transfer but no damage. Trying to describe these speakers in detail makes them sound like they are in bad shape, THEY ARE NOT! These show quit well with all corners and edges in excellent condition. The grills are a dark Navy Blue and are also in excellent shape. The 12 pictures I am allowed here show mostly the bad stuff. Please email me for more pictures of the speakers, serial numbers (which are consecutive), internal workings including the cross overs, cabinets etc., They are listed without Reserve at a very reasonable starting price.
I captured a couple of pictures of them as well which I could post if anybody wants to see them. Both the mids and low drivers had new foams attached...on the front.
Similarly, I followed a pair of L166's on ebay...they sold for $500 plus $100 for shipping...they had just been completely re-furbished (and looked really pristine)...and guess what...the new foams on them had also been attached to the front.
Both these re-foams had been done by supposedly professional shops. I looked at the 4343's with a very jaundiced eye, since they were so at odds with the write-up. I came close on the L166's cause they looked so good. Too good, I guess.
So does it make a difference? In sound? or in longevity of the driver affected?
I'd really like to get a technical answer on this...as to whether it matters on 30 year old drivers. Really. And this is probably the best place in the world to get an answer to that question.
Also saw a pair of L200 empty cabinets...not in too bad condition...asking $400. Cause the owner had parted them out...the horn, the driver, the crossovers and the l-pads.
I figure it would cost at least $400 to build a new pair of L200 cabinets.