The Steel Guitar Forum

Need some recommendations on cleaning and restoring amp cabinets, just got a NV112 that really needs a good cleaning, windex looks good as long as its wet, when it drys no help, the amp works good, needs to look good, thanks for any help.

I would think any vinyl cleaner would work fine. There's a bunch of different brands available for car interiors.

Someone suggested using Tire Clean, which I got in a 4 pack at Costco...you spray it on and walk away, and come back 15 minutes later to a new amp, I wiped off the excess after that and was really pleased with the result, you could even spray it on a toothbrush for those hard to get at places around the handle and in the corners...It even seems to dissolve the little fuzzy's that get caught in the grill cloth.

Ray,

This is the best stuff I've ever used. I've used it on airplanes and people would ask if I just came from the paint shop. I use it on everything. Tires, glass, dash, etc...and my amps. Just spray in on and wipe it off. It will shine like new. I used to order it, but you can now get it at Walmart..... Usually in the RV section. Regular tire shine product is sometimes sticky.. I'd test before I used that.



http://www.protectall.com/


RC

I just use Armorall. Gives the Tolex a nice new sheen.

Get some vinyl cleaner and a hand brush. Go over the amp an area at a time. Wipe of the schmutz off with paper towels. When it comes clean, wipe it with a damp rag. I can't stand Armor All! Too sticky/shiny. Meguiar's makes a product called "Natural Shine." It's not greezy like Armor All. Much nicer!

I just did the vinyl tonneau cover on my truck. It has been impossible to clean. I tried a procedure I found on the Meguire's auto forum. Using a 3" Griot's Garage random orbital buffer with the yellow buffer foam pads and a solution of 50% isopropyl alcohol (the 70% stuff) and 50% water I came out like new despite being out in the weather for 2 years. I tried the alcohol scrubbing by hand and it was only slightly effective. The buffer made it awesome.

When I worked as an amp tech I always cleaned the amp as part of the servicing. I used "Spray 9", a commercial cleaner similar to "409". Made them look new.

In one of Texas amp guru and Vintage Guitar Magazine columnist Gerald Weber's books, he explains how he cleans old tolex-covered Fender amps.

Mr. Weber recommends removing the chassis, and reverb tank if applicable, and hauling the empty cabinet down to the local self-service car wash. He first sprays it with the high-pressure hose and soapy solution, and then rinses it thoroughly. (No need to wax, apparently.)

He then sets the wet cabinet outdoors in the sunshine, for as long as it takes to allow it to air dry thoroughly.

Next, he applies a liberal dose of Armor-all, or a similar product, and allows it to dry before wiping the cabinet down and reassembling. Says it makes the tolex look as good as new.

I followed his method with my '77 Peavey LTD. 400 last summer, and he was right. It looks just like new.

I have been having good luck with Mr Clean Magic Eraser,that stuff really works on a lot of things.

Rick Campbell wrote:Ray,

This is the best stuff I've ever used. I've used it on airplanes and people would ask if I just came from the paint shop. I use it on everything. Tires, glass, dash, etc...and my amps. Just spray in on and wipe it off. It will shine like new. I used to order it, but you can now get it at Walmart..... Usually in the RV section. Regular tire shine product is sometimes sticky.. I'd test before I used that.



http://www.protectall.com/


RC

Rick, did you give up on the Power Wash Method, or is that reserved just for guitar's...