I'm refurbing a old T&R amp with 2 15' and a horn. The guy that had it before me smeared something resembling tar all around the edges of the speaker cabinet, presumably to make it air tight. Is this necessary and if so is there a recommended material to use? This stuff is a mess, it never drys and it's a pain to clean off. Also, does the fiberglass batting in the speaker cabinet serve a purpose, is there a better material to use?
Kustom_Bart Messages: 601 Registered: October 2010 Location: Greenville, MichiGUN
Senior Member
This is how they come stock. Yes it is a messy pain in the ass for sure. I have ruined a few shirts messing with this. I found that using rubber gloves helps a bunch.
Thanx. I'm new to this. I never woulda guessed they were made this way. I've already cleaned most of it off. I'm wondering if something like silicone would work just as well, it would be a lot easier to clean off next time I have to open it up. Whatdaya think?
I would think that the silicon would act too much like a glue and then the back would never come off again.
The reasons for sealing the cabinets are to stop air leaks and to prevent whistling. There was a window sealer that was made like a clay rope. I think it was called More-Tite. That may make for a suitable replacement.
The fiberglass insulation is added to make the speaker think that the cabinet is larger than it really is. Wool batting, foam and fiberglass wool are all suitable for this. What's wrong with the fiberglass in your cabinet?
pleat Messages: 1452 Registered: June 2004 Location: Belding, Mi
Senior Member
The goo or tar like substance is actually a foam rubber gasket material that has over 40+ years disovled into the black goo. You can get replacemet foam rubber at any lumber supply store. It comes 3/8 wide and about 1/8" thick. You can peel off the paper that protects the sticky side. They use it to help seal door openings.
I'm sure you had a time removing the back panel, and this will make it a lot easier the next time you want to open up cab.
pleat
I torn a bunch of it up pulling out the front speaker panel so I could replace the grill cloth. Thought if I needed to replace it something else might work better.