Tube tester covered with Tolex
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I have a tube tester I am restoring that has a wood cabinet covered with the Tolex. I have zero experience with this, so I am hoping for some tips before I grab the glue bottle and start smearing. I don't know if it would be best to try to simply re-glue the existing tolex or rip off and replace.
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Tim
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I would just re-glue for simplicity and for originality. If when lifting up a section to apply glue it feels like the whole piece will easily peel off you might want to do that. Then you can glue the whole piece back on.
John KK4ZLF
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There is absolutely no reason to re-cover. Spray adhesive on both pieces, wait a few seconds and bond.
I have saved many coverings this way..
The one below was peeled half way off all around...
Me
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Other then the glue letting go near the edges the oil cloth/leatherette looks like it's in fairly good shape so I would try gluing it back down rather then recovering the case, recovering the case would be close to performing a re-upholstery job. It may be a good idea to clean under the areas that are lifting before gluing them back down, glue doesn't stick well to dirt and dust.
Regards
Arran
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It feels like the rest of it is pretty tight on there. I have some Tolex glue and I also have some spray glue. I think I will try the tolex glue 1st and see what kind of result I get. Looks good Kirk! Thanks for sharing! Got some rusty hinges and clips to deal with also.
If I could find the place called "Somewhere", I could find "Anything"
Tim
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I got one recently that had termites in the wood as well as a bad cover.
I guess that I could make a lid too.
I would just re-glue yours.
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(This post was last modified: 06-03-2016, 05:44 PM by Phlogiston.)
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With the Electronic part of this restoration finished, I have moved on to the cabinet. The hardware is rusty. Some of it cleaned up nicely with the wire brush on my Dremel tool. Some didn't. The tolex appears to be fairly poor quality, and the install not so good either. I am debating on recovering or re gluing. Several tears and cracks, corners torn off, etc. AES has some hardware, like the feet and a handle, but I haven't found any hinges or latches. Does anyone know where I can find these items? Or even what terms to use for internet searches? This isn't for show, but I do want it to look decent.
If I could find the place called "Somewhere", I could find "Anything"
Tim
Jesus cried out and said, "Whoever believes in me , believes not in me but in him who sent me" John 12:44
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I have started the repair. Note: repair. I decided to try regluing the tolex first. I used the tolex glue from AES. I will post the results later.
If I could find the place called "Somewhere", I could find "Anything"
Tim
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Cant wait to see her!
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If I could find the place called "Somewhere", I could find "Anything"
Tim
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That is Fantastic! 
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 stunning transformation! Awesome job...
... do mine next? 
There are no personal problems that can't be overcome with the liberal application of high explosives
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Thanks guys for the compliments! Steve, I sure don't envy you, but I bet you can make something out of that project. Sure makes things easier getting how to's from folks that have 'been there, done that! Thanks again!
If I could find the place called "Somewhere", I could find "Anything"
Tim
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