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Post subject: cleaning the tolex covering on my amps
Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2012 5:38 pm
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Hi, I was wndereing if i can clean my amps with warm water and a little dish soap and mabye a soft bristle brush. Would that harm the tolex? or, dull it? or, any other ill effects? Thanx..

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Post subject: Re: cleaning the tolex covering on my amps
Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2012 5:51 pm
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Dave...I use good old 409. It does a great job and doesn't leave any kind of film, and does not dull the tolex. I used this to clean my 69 Bantam Bass Amp I refurbed and it took all those years of grunge off it no problem.

As for the method you discribed I am not to sure on, might try it on a small inconspicuous spot and see what happens.

HTH

T2

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Post subject: Re: cleaning the tolex covering on my amps
Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2012 11:07 pm
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davededude wrote:
Hi, I was wndereing if i can clean my amps with warm water and a little dish soap and mabye a soft bristle brush. Would that harm the tolex? or, dull it? or, any other ill effects? Thanx..


I think Fender actually sells an amp + case "conditioner" that's made by Meguiar's, and is pretty much their car interior product. I usually use a low-gloss car interior protectant to clean tolex and it works fine for me.


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Post subject: Re: cleaning the tolex covering on my amps
Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2012 11:39 pm
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I've been at this for a number of years......longer than the post-uterine existence of most forum members here.

Dish soap and warm water will clean light soiling and dust but may not be effective on the aged "mojo" commonly found on vintage amps. For those situations, something stronger is called for. As the Stratman has mentioned, 409 all-purpose cleaner is an excellent product that cuts bio-organic oils, nicotine film, and other contaminants accrued through years of use and abuse. Windex may also be used (this product is also useful for grill cloth staining and discoloration). Avoid cleaners intended for ovens or carburetors -- these are too strong and act too quickly -- which may permeate the surface of the rubberized Tolex and cause it to separate from its cloth backing and/or dissolve the adhesive holding it to the cabinet. To remove enamel spray paint and the like, mineral spirits or a mild automotive lacquer reducer may be used, but it should only be applied to a clean rag then wiped across the surface (never directly on the Tolex itself). For a nice "new amp sheen" use ordinary Armor-All, applied with a clean rag. Use it on Q-tips to access hard-to-reach areas such as the recessed sides around the baffle board.

Best of luck, HTH

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: cleaning the tolex covering on my amps
Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2012 5:24 am
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Thanks guys for the tips... i tried out the soap/water deal on a frontman 15 i picked up the other day (traded some guy a cheapie car stereo for an affinty strat and the amp) and it cleaned up pretty good but, i also want to clean my vibro champ and deluxe reverb real nice so, 409 and mabye some armour all is on the list for them...thanks again.

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2009 american deluxe ash stratocaster

2009 epiphone es-335 dot.
2009 65 drri amp
2009 fender vibro champ-xD amp.
2009 takamine g-4400 acoustic/electric guitar

1980 fender harvard reverb 1 amp


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Post subject: Re: cleaning the tolex covering on my amps
Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2012 9:42 am
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If you really have an oily stained, generally mucked-up part of the tolex... I've use a LITTLE Fels-Naphta soap. You'll need to treat with leatherette care product (like Armor All) after rinsing.

http://www.felsnaptha.com/


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