Caliper repaint?

[robertone]

Hi all,
have a question for anyone with a set of Calipers. Ive read the instructions on how to remove the frame on the Calipers,but when I look at my speakers I would like to know , will the foam that looks like it makes contact with the ribbons,remain on the ribbons or will it come up with the frame? I want to repaint them,there 20yrs old now and starting to show signs of the paint fading on the frame. Not sure why as I keep them covered when not in use,plus that don't get any sunlight. Im worried that the foam might break apart when the frame comes off the back panel. Also if Im going to paint them, can the speaker mesh be removed,replaced without any issues,or do I have to get new mesh if old removed?
Would like to get my bass/mid panels refurb,but I think someone said it could cost upto $10K.
George

[Ralph]

George

1 don't panic.

2 If the covers come off with a tearing sound - that's only some velcro holding things in place

3 The bass ribbons are held in place by an internal framwork and this is not affected by the covers coming off.

I have recently had my calipers (sig) repainted.
I got a cabinet maker to do them. The hardest part (for them) was to get the old 2 pack paint finish off. It went like rubber and the covers had to be soaked in paint remover.
I supplied some wire mesh (fiberglass insect screen) trimmed diagonally which they put in place for me.
They put on a gloss piano black 2pack finish, which although not cheap, was worth every cent.

Cheers and don't panic
Ralph

[robertone]

Thanks for the info Ralph. Ill give it a go at removing the covers on the weekend now that I know the foam won't lift with them covers.
Didn't know that the paint on them was 2 pack.
I love these ribbons,have thought of a lot of times selling them for something else,but nothing comes close to the sound they make.
Also really thinking of getting them painted in a 'Lamborghini Pearl Orange". But then again will have to try a sample on them first before final decision(Ill post a picture of what they look like once complete).
Will try Graz to see if he supplies the mesh/screen material first,if not will try what you suggested.
George

[Zardoz]

Check out this web site. I found a mesh that I used on my Diva's when I had them painted. They have a ton of styles and colors.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/120/426/=tvjat6

Good listening,
Z

[User211]

Look up vinyl wraps on YouTube / the web.

Worth a try I think. Check out the video linked below. All sorts of wraps available.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdJ6L2LGPvU

[Scinemaniac]

That mcmaster webpage is for a metal mesh which will affect the magnetic field. Whether that is good, hard to say.

The original cloth was non-magnetic,
and the flyscreen used by and available from Graz is non-magnetic (black plastic) cut on the diagonal

best wishes

[robertone]

Finally got one of the panels off. Was quite easy. I removed the panel on the speaker I has some Buzz on,sometimes. I took some photos of the ribbon. There seems to be some fungus,growth on the bass ribbon.Tried seeing if it would come off with a paint brush,no go. When I put the cover back on,I tapped the cover and kept getting a buzzing sound along the mid/tweeter / bass panel run. Placed some soft backing foam just in that area and now I don't have buzz from that speaker? What I thought might be the Apogee Buzz was just the speaker cover rattling against the back panel.
Anyone know what the growth can be? Doesn't look like the Kapton or foil? The foam still looks OK,but know its a matter of time before it needs replacing. Speaker has a build date of 1990.

[robertone]

Can't work out why I can't get pictures to attach to post.

[Vansloneker]

You have to upload pics to e.g. a freehost like Photobucket or Tinypic, then copy and paste the image url into the message between the img tags e.g.

Code: Select all

[img]http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc286/Vansloneker/AmpOhm.jpg[/img]

[robertone]

Ok here is the image

[apogee_admin]

Looks like something dripped onto the panel and caused a reaction. You can use damp cotton buds to try and remove it, but you can't apply much pressure without denting the ribbon, probably best to leave alone as it's doubtful you would ever completely get rid of it.
Also if you try and clean one bit you will find the whole panel has a coat of dust and it will probably stand out worse than before

Jon

[Zardoz]

The McMaster URL that I posted was just to get you to the site. They have a ton of not magnetic screens. I used a black plastic screen on my Diva's since I was concerned about using something metal.