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it happens [message #10315]

Thu, 22 January 2009 12:52

RobbieNuke
Messages: 66
Registered: October 2006
Location: Baltimore

Member

Bought a used 3x15 many years ago. The grill cloth had an unusual looking stain, but since it was original I left it alone. Then... it happened! Shocked

I knocked over a guitar stand that used the grill cloth as alanding buffer creating a small hole.

What is the closest match to original grill cloth material available? How hard is it to redo a 3x15 cabinet? I've done a Fender VT Bassman cabinet (2x15) with good results.

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Re: it happens [message #10317 is a reply to message #10315]

Thu, 22 January 2009 13:24

LesS
Messages: 477
Registered: December 2002

Senior Member

Hi,
Kustom grill cloth - a great replacement is part number 261-800 from Parts Express.
For my 2x12, I only needed a yard so it was 36" x 36" and it cost $12.50 + $8.82 shipping.

The grill cloth looks very close to the original black (approx 1966 to 1971).
It even has the 3 threads that run vertically (or horizontally in some Kustom cabinets.)

Since you have done one before, you should have no trouble - except for that sticky black stuff that Kustom used as sealer for backs and baffles.
-Les S

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Re: it happens [message #10319 is a reply to message #10317]

Thu, 22 January 2009 15:09

RobbieNuke
Messages: 66
Registered: October 2006
Location: Baltimore

Member

Oh God... is that sticky black stuff on the speaker baffles too?

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Re: it happens [message #10320 is a reply to message #10315]

Fri, 23 January 2009 06:45

stevem
Messages: 4736
Registered: June 2004
Location: NY

Senior Member

No, less just means on the cabs back panel.
The baffel board bolts on the face of the cab from the inside so you will have to unstaple the cross brace(s) to get the thing out.

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Re: it happens [message #10321 is a reply to message #10320]

Fri, 23 January 2009 10:12

pleat
Messages: 1452
Registered: June 2004
Location: Belding, Mi

Senior Member

That black sticky stuff is actually a strip of foam gasket material that over the years has become like a black tar.
I have replaced the grill cloth on several SC K100's and other cabinets and it's on the baffle board on all that I have changed. Not much fun to work around, but the end result of new grill cloth is worth the effort. One trick I use to remove the backs of the larger cabinets is to place a 2x2 through the ports and gently hammer the back to release it from it's seal. Better than prying a corner with a screwdriver.
pleat

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Re: it happens [message #10322 is a reply to message #10321]

Fri, 23 January 2009 10:58

RobbieNuke
Messages: 66
Registered: October 2006
Location: Baltimore

Member

My first experience with the Kustom Kat Kitty Poop tar was several years ago when I removed the original drivers (2x15 Jensen w/ 15" siren horn) to convert the cabinet to 3x15" CTS drivers for bass use. I used the same process of pushing the rear panel off using dowl rod through ports. Mineral spirits works quite well removing it from hands and surrounding Naugahyde when finished. Doesn't hurt the Naugahyde either (that stuffs tough).

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Re: it happens [message #10323 is a reply to message #10322]

Fri, 23 January 2009 22:38

BC
Messages: 583
Registered: March 2000
Location: Kentucky

Senior Member

Many times stains can be removed from the grill cloth. I am suprised Pleat did not mention that a trip to the local car wash will often do wonders for grill cloth.....( I learned that and a lot more from him )......and since that is a 3x15 you might be able to recycle the remainder of the cloth on a smaller cabinet...like that 2x12 there in the corner....beside the 2x10 combo......BC Cool

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Re: it happens [message #10324 is a reply to message #10323]

Fri, 23 January 2009 22:54

RobbieNuke
Messages: 66
Registered: October 2006
Location: Baltimore

Member

I could live with the stain... sorta. But the hole just keeps yelling "butterfingers!" at me. Totally embarassing, but it is way down low... about 8" from floor. Not noticeable at a gig. Lot of work for a cosmetic blemish. I've got other projects to finish first... like getting the 4x15" speakers wired and mounted in my Acoustic 408 cabinet, porting a 2x10 monitor, etc.

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Re: it happens [message #10328 is a reply to message #10324]

Sat, 24 January 2009 11:33

LesS
Messages: 477
Registered: December 2002

Senior Member

The best fix is replace the grill, but there are two other methods for a "quick fix":
1) Superglue a small piece of grill behind the hole. This works better if the hole is directly over wood - most of the area of a Kustom grill is "suspended".
2) Redirect each strand of grill cloth at the hole to sort of hide the hole. You might need patience and a little superglue.

For the stain, spray windex on it and let it soak about 10 minutes. Spray it from a side angle so you don't get any windex on the drivers. Carefully clean with a cloth and with a brush. It is better to clean it from both sides if you can. Repeat spraying the windex and the light scrubbing several times. After about three or four times, you should see an improvment.

[Updated on: Sat, 24 January 2009 11:46]

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Re: it happens [message #10329 is a reply to message #10328]

Sat, 24 January 2009 14:28

RobbieNuke
Messages: 66
Registered: October 2006
Location: Baltimore

Member

Fantastic tips! Easier than the grill cloth replacement. All them screws, Kustom Kat Kitty Poo, material alignment... what a headache.

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Re: it happens [message #10330 is a reply to message #10329]

Sat, 24 January 2009 16:04

Justin Sane
Messages: 2
Registered: January 2009

Junior Member

I just recently cleaned the grill cloth on mine, first I vacuumed it with the soft bristle attachment from my wife's vacuum, then I used an old clean (soft) toothbrush with Windex. After it was done drying it was clean but looked a little dry and grayish so I tried a little Armorall applied to the toothbrush then to the cloth (the thin white milky stuff for car tires and interiors, not the thick silicone stuff), and WOW it looks like brand new.

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