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Vintage threads from the first ten years

Re: Regluing Black Tolex, anyone?

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8/29/1999 10:29 PM

Re: Regluing Black Tolex, anyone?

I've used contact cement a lot and never had any problems. The key is to make sure everything lines up before you start slapping on cement; then apply the cement to both pieces in a thin layer (a brush works best), let it set until tacky and then put it in place, working from the middle out towards the edge(s) to make sure it's smooth and has no bubbles. Then put something flat on it and add weight. If you screw up you can peel it off if you're quick but if you wait more than a couple of minutes it's not going to give. Just make sure you're working in a well-ventilated area FAR away from open flames.

MJ

8/30/1999 1:32 PM
Steve Jones	AES sells what they bill as "tolex adhesive", which is 3M Super 77 spray adhesive, for $9.95 a spray can. Has anyone used this? Steve

8/31/1999 6:11 PM

I've used the 3M brand. Besides it being a bit messy (like all spray cans) it does a really good job sticking tolex to bare wood. It's when you get to the seams where one piece of tolex overlaps another piece. There, the Super 77 fails.

I used crazy glue for the "peeled" seams on some of my projects and that didn't do a great job either. However, I'm thinking it has to do not only with the glue, but also with the different types of tolex materials out there. Some may work better than others.

Just my .02

9/1/1999 12:42 PM
Steve Jones	Another product John Brown at Recycled Sound recommended a product called "Tear Mender" made by an outfit in Chicago called "Vala". He said it is an ammonia based latex, so you can work inside. Steve

9/3/1999 3:24 AM
Steve A.	Steve: That's a good point! They have various kits for repairing vinyl upholstery in cars (or living room furniture). Getting the texture right could be a problem for larger areas but it could help with the small tears and flaws. Steve Ahola

9/3/1999 1:55 PM
Steve Jones	Actually John recommended it for recovering with tolex, not mending repairs (although I'm sure it works for that too). I just ordered some to recover my Kalamazoo with new tolex. I'll let you know how well it works after I'm done. Steve

9/7/1999 2:15 AM

Steve A.,

Fender still uses animal glue to apply tolex to the

cabinet. As someone said earlier, it is available from Rodger's Amplifiers and runs about $15.00 a quart. I have used the 3M adhesive several times and I do not care for it. It's extremely tackey and does not stick to the tolex where it needs to overlap. I use a wallpaper roller to smooth out the tolex and get the air out which works very well. I use an exacto knife for edges etc.

Best wishes, Tim C.

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