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Post subject: Facelift day for an aging Fender doyenne......
Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2014 11:20 pm
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My ‘68 Deluxe Reverb’s tired front panel was the only cosmetic issue that kept the amp from 9.5+ status so I swapped the original out today for an NOS replacement.

Before......

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Image

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Arjay

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Post subject: Facelift day for an aging Fender doyenne (continued)......
Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2014 11:22 pm
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After......

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Image

Image

The replacement procedure only required about an hour, using common hand tools.

Arjay

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Post subject: Facelift day for an aging Fender doyenne (continued)......
Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2014 11:25 pm
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And here she is with the facelift complete, looking as smooth as a prom-queen's thighs (but not nearly as risky)......

Image

Parts for vintage Fender restorations can still be found but it often takes perseverance and diligence to root them out. Minor improvements like these can be well worth the time and the expense when it’s time to flip an amp and collectors pay premium prices for a primo specimen. This example now looks as bright and shiny as the day she left Fullerton some forty-six years ago.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Facelift day for an aging Fender doyenne......
Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2014 11:43 pm
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New faceplate on silverface amps really makes a difference. They show battle damage quicker than blackface amps.

I have one question. How did you remove the lamp holder assembly? Did you shape an end wrench to fit the nut on the chassis side? I use the old faceplate as a lever to carefully remove the lamp assembly.


Thanks!


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Post subject: Re: Facelift day for an aging Fender doyenne......
Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 12:18 am
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The lamp assembly's retainer nut inside is normally a bear to screw and un-screw but I have an old open-end wrench that a friend with a torch bent into a 90-degree ell which makes that chore a whole lot easier. Such a specialized tool is really a must for anyone who routinely works on these old Fender's. Once the retaining nut is unscrewed, the lamp bezel pops right out.

The silverface panels are very susceptible to damage -- the black-enameled types are much more impervious to minor mishaps. I leave the protective film on new silverface plates until I'm actually prepared to install them.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Facelift day for an aging Fender doyenne......
Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 12:27 am
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Arjay,

That's what I thought. My Dad add a bunch of wrenches tweaked to fit during his auto tranny days. What is the size of that nut? Like 13/16th? Guess I'll breakdown and invest in a nice Snap-on or Stanley crowfoot set. Always wanted one.

Seems like every R&R job I've done these days need faceplates. Or lamp holders or both.

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Post subject: Re: Facelift day for an aging Fender doyenne......
Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 12:50 am
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Yeah, 13/16".

It doesn't have to be an expensive wrench -- even an old imported Stanley or True-Value is well-suited for modding into the proper configuration. Mine was an old stamped-steel open-end that I believe came originally in a bicycle-repair kit.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Facelift day for an aging Fender doyenne (continued)....
Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 6:33 am
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Retroverbial wrote:
The replacement procedure only required about an hour, using common hand tools.


They may be common hand tools ….. but they are anything but common in the hands of an expert craftsman. (Speaking as an architect that has to deal with "craftsman" all the time.)

Owning the tools doesn't mean the person knows how to use them or has the experience….. more importantly the heart and patience to use them skillfully and with artistic intent.

Fantastic work. Made my "effing" day. :D


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Post subject: Re: Facelift day for an aging Fender doyenne......
Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 8:39 am
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Thanks, Phil.

I only meant to imply that no special tools or equipment were required. The most significant assets required are patience and common sense. Satisfaction with a job well done will naturally follow suit.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Facelift day for an aging Fender doyenne......
Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 8:51 am
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Arjay, very nice! Not a surprise given your attention to detail on the balance of your collection, guitars, guitar wall........

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Post subject: Re: Facelift day for an aging Fender doyenne......
Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 10:24 am
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Retroverbial wrote:
The most significant assets required are patience and common sense.


Arjay

:lol: :lol: Two assets that are hard to find :lol: :lol:

I can find hot air on my job sites all day long….. patience and common sense. That's another story. :wink:

There is no need for me to blow smoke up your skirt, but damn you do nice work. Same with Beemer.

Patrick


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Post subject: Re: Facelift day for an aging Fender doyenne......
Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 11:39 am
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Sweet as always Arjay !

cheers!

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Post subject: Re: Facelift day for an aging Fender doyenne......
Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 2:02 pm
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New faceplate really makes a big difference in these silverface amps.

Before:


Image



New faceplate:

Image


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Post subject: Re: Facelift day for an aging Fender doyenne......
Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 2:59 pm
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BMW2002Ti wrote:
New faceplate really makes a big difference in these silverface amps.

Before:


Image



New faceplate:

Image


And a full sextet of original snowman knobs......I love it, Steve!

8)

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Facelift day for an aging Fender doyenne......
Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 4:49 pm
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Some damn fine work guys! Now for a real challenge, find one for a Bantam :!: :lol:

T2

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