Refinishing Vinyl Clad Enclosures: Help

[Titanium Dome]

Got a reply last night from a JBL/Harman rep who said basically glue what you got back down: no strippee; you'll regret it. Also, don't glue anything over the top, cuz if it's too hot, the whole thing turns into a mess.

So it looks like chemical bonding is out and mechanical bonding is in.

This will take some thought.

I smell innovation!

[vettedrummer]

I talked to a refinisher who was selling a set of L100's on the bay. I asked him this same question about putting pre-glued wood veneer over the vinyl. ( I have a set of SVA 1800's with same problem) He said to use the heat gun and take your time cause it will take awhile, but the results will be so much better. The MDF will be a great subtrate to put the new covering on. I have his email some place or other cause he gave me the name of a supplier to get Rosewood veneer for the L36 decades I also want to refinish. These have the blue grill cloth and would look so cool in the Rosewood veneer. I think if you use contact cement over the vinyl it will eat it and cause the job to be a total waste of time and money. I may try putting veneer right over the vinyl on a set of Boston A-40's I have with no problems on the covering at all, but wood would look better than black vinyl1 Cheers, Frank

[bigyank]

I have a pair of Polk Model 10's I will be stripping over the next 2 weeks using the heat gun method to remove the old vinyl. I will let you know how I make out.

Yank

[Mr. Widget]

I have a pair of Polk Model 10's...

Why?


Sorry, I couldn't resist.


Widget

[Titanium Dome]

I have a pair of Polk Model 10's I will be stripping over the next 2 weeks using the heat gun method to remove the old vinyl. I will let you know how I make out.

Yank

I look forward to your report.

[duaneage]

Why?


Sorry, I couldn't resist.


Widget

They are fine speakers and were highly acclaimed when they came out. I've owned mine for 20 years.

[briang]

I have a pair of Polk Model 10's I will be stripping over the next 2 weeks using the heat gun method to remove the old vinyl. I will let you know how I make out.

Yank

I too look forward to your report.

[Mr. Widget]

They are fine speakers and were highly acclaimed when they came out. I've owned mine for 20 years.

Agreed...

I've had very little audio gear that I've kept that long... my Zerostat and... some of the stuff that now lives in my shop....


Widget

[Bob Oliver]

most vinyl was laminated with epoxy-- time may be on your side since the cabinets are older -- try the heat gun -gently -try taking the glue off with a sturdy paint scraper the kind that you pull towards you -you may have to put a good edge on it though --there are epoxy solvents but not worth the hassle--

[Audiobeer]

I really believe that this is going to be a lot easier than you think. I wouldnt use anymore heat than you would on a hair dryer. I just don't believe there is that much glue on that model holding the vynil. C'mon.....just do it!

[Nightbrace]

I am building my own speaker cabinets out of 3/4" MDF and was going to use a wood veneer, but it will be quite expensive. Can I get a vinyl "wood" veneer for much cheaper similiar to what JBL used?