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ADS L2030 Restoration

The L1530's I picked up several weeks back are an insane pair of speakers, and I can't imagine what these 2030's sound like! Mine hardly fit in my house, but after the initial shock at their size, even the wife admits they sound too good to get rid of. That's saying something! These big ADS are no joke.
 
GD70 said:
So when do you expect to start building the grills?
Click to expand...
I'm lazily considering my options at this time. I have grills, but they are not structurally sound and they should be recovered. I'm considering whether I should tackle the structural repair myself, or if I should find someone local(ish) to repair them. If it's as simple as re-gluing and clamping the joints, I can probably manage, but it it requires more finesse, I'm likely going to have to find someone else to do it.

I also know that recovering the grills is not a simple task due to the varying angles. I doubt the stretch grill cloth has enough stretch to accommodate the angles, so this is very likely outside of my capabilities. I'm not handy with a sewing machine.

Finding someone competent to tackle these repairs is a challenge in itself as I live in a small town surrounded by smaller towns. My best bet is probably the Amish (seriously) but getting in touch with them is difficult. I do happen to know a guy who had them recover his convertible top and they did an excellent job, but I need to get a hold of him to put me in touch with them...if you know what I mean.
 
MATT0404 said:
Finding someone competent to tackle these repairs is a challenge in itself as I live in a small town surrounded by smaller towns. My best bet is probably the Amish (seriously) but getting in touch with them is difficult. I do happen to know a guy who had them recover his convertible top and they did an excellent job, but I need to get a hold of him to put me in touch with them...if you know what I mean.
Click to expand...

I'd suggest to see if you can find someone who does auto upholstery repairs or restorations if you can. They're typically pretty good at thinking outside the box when it comes to unusual fabrications.
 
bberkom said:
The L1530's I picked up several weeks back are an insane pair of speakers, and I can't imagine what these 2030's sound like! Mine hardly fit in my house, but after the initial shock at their size, even the wife admits they sound too good to get rid of. That's saying something! These big ADS are no joke.
Click to expand...

Agreed! I've had my 1530's for a year now and they blow away the 1230's I had. The sonic detail and accuracy is mind boggling. They give a texture to music and they seem to disappear so you only hear lots of music everywhere and you're not just listening to the speakers.
 
MATT0404 said:
I also know that recovering the grills is not a simple task due to the varying angles. I doubt the stretch grill cloth has enough stretch to accommodate the angles, so this is very likely outside of my capabilities. I'm not handy with a sewing machine.
Click to expand...
I recovered my 1530s a couple of years ago with some stretch black fabric I got a a local fabric store. It wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be.
My sister helped me, and she actually hand stitched the seams and they turned out very nice.
The fabric does stretch enough to go around the weird angle. We did a seam at the top edges along the top and bottom on the sides. Can't really see the seams as they are on the edges.
Course, your speakers are bigger and that would be challenging.
Good luck with whatever you decide. Glad the 2030s meet, and I am sure exceed your expectations!:rockon:
 
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MATT0404 said:
I'm lazily considering my options at this time. I have grills, but they are not structurally sound and they should be recovered. I'm considering whether I should tackle the structural repair myself, or if I should find someone local(ish) to repair them. If it's as simple as re-gluing and clamping the joints, I can probably manage, but it it requires more finesse, I'm likely going to have to find someone else to do it.

I also know that recovering the grills is not a simple task due to the varying angles. I doubt the stretch grill cloth has enough stretch to accommodate the angles, so this is very likely outside of my capabilities. I'm not handy with a sewing machine.

Finding someone competent to tackle these repairs is a challenge in itself as I live in a small town surrounded by smaller towns. My best bet is probably the Amish (seriously) but getting in touch with them is difficult. I do happen to know a guy who had them recover his convertible top and they did an excellent job, but I need to get a hold of him to put me in touch with them...if you know what I mean.
Click to expand...

I won't assume you did a CL search for "Upholstery" under services. The angles won't or shouldn't be a problem at all for an experienced Upholsterer. Only stitching is across the top on both sides. If that is done properly the rest will fit with little problem. The problem(s) arise from fitting corners as the fabric needs to bend around the wood grills back and bottom and you don't want it bunched up at the corners. So cutting properly is key. Hard for me to explain, but it was were I found my limitations. So ... I'm hiring an Upholsterer for my center and surrounds, hopefully this summer. I still have to make the grills for the surrounds.

Fabric I found or rather Richard So suggested is where I finally gave up my search, was not listed as stretch, but ... it does stretch. As a matter of fact all fabric samples I got stretched to enough degree that stretching wasn't an issue.
 
MATT0404 said:
I'm lazily considering my options at this time. I have grills, but they are not structurally sound and they should be recovered. I'm considering whether I should tackle the structural repair myself, or if I should find someone local(ish) to repair them. If it's as simple as re-gluing and clamping the joints, I can probably manage, but it it requires more finesse, I'm likely going to have to find someone else to do it.

I also know that recovering the grills is not a simple task due to the varying angles. I doubt the stretch grill cloth has enough stretch to accommodate the angles, so this is very likely outside of my capabilities. I'm not handy with a sewing machine.

Finding someone competent to tackle these repairs is a challenge in itself as I live in a small town surrounded by smaller towns. My best bet is probably the Amish (seriously) but getting in touch with them is difficult. I do happen to know a guy who had them recover his convertible top and they did an excellent job, but I need to get a hold of him to put me in touch with them...if you know what I mean.
Click to expand...

I'm not recommending this fabric .. this is the link Richard So sent me, I ordered a yard, and as it turned out it is what I decided to use. One negative comment was that it was not a true black, and I somewhat disagree. It was not a charcoal black as the customer stated, but it didn't exactly match my L1230 black either. Close enough though for all the other samples I've received over a year of searching. The weave is not a match either, and the fabric doesn't feel as thick, but it's not thin enough to be of concern either. Maybe you can contact the seller and ask for a sample?

https://www.ebay.com/p/Black-Speaker-Grill-Cloth-Fabric/1561207288?_trksid=p2047675.m4097.l9055
 
Thank you all for the motivation to get back to work. While switch panels were next on the agenda, I found out my mother-in-law might be able to help with the stitch-work, so I've went ahead and jumped head first into the grills.

I've only worked on one grill frame so far. The fabric came off rather neatly and should be able to be duplicated pretty easily. The grill frame, on the other hand, has been stressed and broken in couple places. Most of the damage appears to be to the top plate rabbet joint. Any ideas on repair? I doubt I could simply get away with some wood glue and finish nails. Remaking the top panel would be a challenge for me considering the limited woodworking tools I have available. What are your thoughts?

ADS L2030 Grill Frames by Audio Database, on Flickr
ADS L2030 Grill Frames by Audio Database, on Flickr
ADS L2030 Grill Frames by Audio Database, on Flickr

The two thin vertical rods are metal, not wood like the rest of the grill frame
ADS L2030 Grill Frames by Audio Database, on Flickr

Cracked top plate rabbet joint across front of grill frame
ADS L2030 Grill Frames by Audio Database, on Flickr
ADS L2030 Grill Frames by Audio Database, on Flickr
ADS L2030 Grill Frames by Audio Database, on Flickr

Grill fabric, top towards bottom
ADS Grill Fabric by Audio Database, on Flickr
 
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Those are not too bad.
First, I'd clear away any loose particle board so the joints come together tight. Next, epoxy them, and tape to hold in position. Once the epoxy has cured, I'd use some 1 inch triangle stock as strengthing gussets along the joints. This will help a lot so they don't break again. I like ZPoxy finishing resin because it's very thin and soaks into the particle board well making it very strong. I'd also put the ZPoxy into those cracked spots. The dented area may need a bit of moisture or working with a flat screw driver blade to push it back out and again, epoxy the particle board, and then sanded smooth. Obviously after all repairs are done, spray the frame work flat black.
 
I agree with GD70 Zpoxy is great stuff drys fast and the particle board soaks it in to make a great bond. You could pick up a couple of hand clamps (Milwaukee brand) about 4 bedrock bucks each at the Depot and once you apply the epoxy you can use the hand clamps to close the gaps. As bad as that damage appears it's really not hard (even with limited tools) to fix. Your goal is to keep moisture out of the cracks so the particle board won't swell. Another good product to use on those damaged corners is Mohawk wood epoxy (putty). Just sand the corners smooth, put some wood putty on them, and sand them smooth again. Looks like finishing nails in the top by the rabbits, if so, can you work them out? If so, would be good to get them out, and replace them once you sand the rough edges and can replace the finishing nails in a different spot. If removing them causes more damage, then just leave them in, the zpoxy will work to hold the top together along with the old nails.
https://www.amazon.com/Mohawk-Finis...=1519127752&sr=8-9&keywords=mohawk+wood+stick

Several YT vids how to use the stuff.

Awesome you posted pics Matt. It's great having documentation of the grills on these model Lxx30 speakers! Thanks for confirming the virtical rods were metal. I suspected that but didn't confirm. I know I can get those at Home Depot in aluminum. I also don't want to miss the opportunity to appreciate how you were able to save the fabric for a template. Those 2030's went to the right man.
 
GD70 said:
Those are not too bad.
First, I'd clear away any loose particle board so the joints come together tight. Next, epoxy them, and tape to hold in position. Once the epoxy has cured, I'd use some 1 inch triangle stock as strengthing gussets along the joints. This will help a lot so they don't break again. I like ZPoxy finishing resin because it's very thin and soaks into the particle board well making it very strong. I'd also put the ZPoxy into those cracked spots. The dented area may need a bit of moisture or working with a flat screw driver blade to push it back out and again, epoxy the particle board, and then sanded smooth. Obviously after all repairs are done, spray the frame work flat black.
Click to expand...
Spiceman50 said:
I agree with GD70 Zpoxy is great stuff drys fast and the particle board soaks it in to make a great bond. You could pick up a couple of hand clamps (Milwaukee brand) about 4 bedrock bucks each at the Depot and once you apply the epoxy you can use the hand clamps to close the gaps. As bad as that damage appears it's really not hard (even with limited tools) to fix. Your goal is to keep moisture out of the cracks so the particle board won't swell. Another good product to use on those damaged corners is Mohawk wood epoxy (putty). Just sand the corners smooth, put some wood putty on them, and sand them smooth again. Looks like finishing nails in the top by the rabbits, if so, can you work them out? If so, would be good to get them out, and replace them once you sand the rough edges and can replace the finishing nails in a different spot. If removing them causes more damage, then just leave them in, the zpoxy will work to hold the top together along with the old nails.
https://www.amazon.com/Mohawk-Finis...=1519127752&sr=8-9&keywords=mohawk+wood+stick

Several YT vids how to use the stuff.

Awesome you posted pics Matt. It's great having documentation of the grills on these model Lxx30 speakers! Thanks for confirming the virtical rods were metal. I suspected that but didn't confirm. I know I can get those at Home Depot in aluminum. I also don't want to miss the opportunity to appreciate how you were able to save the fabric for a template. Those 2030's went to the right man.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the great tips, guys! Your advice gives me confidence that I'll be able to handle the repairs.

Yes, there are finish nails through the rabbet joints. I have already removed them from the broken section. They are still in place along the front edge that is cracked which makes it difficult for me to close that gap.

Glenn, great idea on the triangular gussets, though, they'll have to be pretty small in order for the grill frames to sit flush with the speaker trim.

I'm going to remove the grill fabric from the other frame (hopefully) tonight. Then I can work both frames at the same time. In the meantime, I'll start looking for grill fabric and one ADS badge. I wouldn't mind finding fabric similar to what's used on my Legacy speakers. It looks great and is pretty luxurious in comparison to the original ADS fabric.
 
@MATT0404, if you have a Joann's fabric store nearby, they have Black speaker grill cloth that is very transparent, and is very stretchable. I found it to be very easy to work with, and it looks fantastic. Also, it is priced at $9.99 a yard, a great value.
 
MATT0404 said:
Thanks for the great tips, guys! Your advice gives me confidence that I'll be able to handle the repairs.

Yes, there are finish nails through the rabbet joints. I have already removed them from the broken section. They are still in place along the front edge that is cracked which makes it difficult for me to close that gap.

Glenn, great idea on the triangular gussets, though, they'll have to be pretty small in order for the grill frames to sit flush with the speaker trim.

I'm going to remove the grill fabric from the other frame (hopefully) tonight. Then I can work both frames at the same time. In the meantime, I'll start looking for grill fabric and one ADS badge. I wouldn't mind finding fabric similar to what's used on my Legacy speakers. It looks great and is pretty luxurious in comparison to the original ADS fabric.
Click to expand...
If the triangle stock will cause fit problems, then use strips of fiberglass with the ZPoxy.
 
GD70 said:
If the triangle stock will cause fit problems, then use strips of fiberglass with the ZPoxy.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the recomendation, but, bear with me here as I'm not sure I understand...do you mean a fiberglass mesh? Happen to have a link to something?

The second grill frame appears to be in worse condition than the first, unfortunately. The top panel was only held in place by the grill fabric. Once that was removed, the top plate came free. It looks like once the finish nails are removed, I should be able to get it to sit pretty flush with the rest of the frame again.

There's also an issue where the front panel of the grill frame joins with the angled side panel. That joint is very loose and unstable. I'm wondering if I might be able to get some epoxy down into the joint to reinforce it. Clamping it in place while the epoxy dries would be nearly impossible, but I might be able to install the grill frame on the speaker and use the plastic dowels that install into the bottom of the grill frame to hold it in place while the epoxy dries.

The last issue appears to be that the top panel has some swelling from water exposure. I'm not sure if I can just sand this down to smooth it out, or maybe I should just leave it alone.

ADS L2030 Grill Rebuild by Audio Database, on Flickr

Water damage along the back edge in this photo. Kinda hard to see in the pic.
ADS L2030 Grill Rebuild by Audio Database, on Flickr
ADS L2030 Grill Rebuild by Audio Database, on Flickr
ADS L2030 Grill Rebuild by Audio Database, on Flickr
ADS L2030 Grill Rebuild by Audio Database, on Flickr
ADS L2030 Grill Rebuild by Audio Database, on Flickr
ADS L2030 Grill Rebuild by Audio Database, on Flickr
ADS L2030 Grill Rebuild by Audio Database, on Flickr

ADS L2030 Grill Rebuild by Audio Database, on Flickr

This joint is also compromised:
ADS L2030 Grill Rebuild by Audio Database, on Flickr
ADS L2030 Grill Rebuild by Audio Database, on Flickr
 
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MATT0404 said:
Thanks for the recomendation, but, bear with me here as I'm not sure I understand...do you mean a fiberglass mesh? Happen to have a link to something?

The second grill frame appears to be in worse condition than the first, unfortunately. The top panel was only held in place by the grill fabric. Once that was removed, the top plate came free. It looks like once the finish nails are removed, I should be able to get it to sit pretty flush with the rest of the frame again.

There's also an issue where the front panel of the grill frame joins with the angled side panel. That joint is very loose and unstable. I'm wondering if I might be able to get some epoxy down into the joint to reinforce it. Clamping it in place while the epoxy dries would be nearly impossible, but I might be able to install the grill frame on the speaker and use the rubber dowels that install into the bottom of the grill frame to hold it in place while the epoxy dries.

The last issue appears to be that the top panel has some swelling from water exposure. I'm not sure if I can just sand this down to smooth it out, or maybe I should just leave it alone.

ADS L2030 Grill Rebuild by Audio Database, on Flickr

Water damage along the back edge in this photo. Kinda hard to see in the pic.
ADS L2030 Grill Rebuild by Audio Database, on Flickr
ADS L2030 Grill Rebuild by Audio Database, on Flickr
ADS L2030 Grill Rebuild by Audio Database, on Flickr
ADS L2030 Grill Rebuild by Audio Database, on Flickr
ADS L2030 Grill Rebuild by Audio Database, on Flickr
ADS L2030 Grill Rebuild by Audio Database, on Flickr
ADS L2030 Grill Rebuild by Audio Database, on Flickr

ADS L2030 Grill Rebuild by Audio Database, on Flickr

This joint is also compromised:
ADS L2030 Grill Rebuild by Audio Database, on Flickr
ADS L2030 Grill Rebuild by Audio Database, on Flickr
Click to expand...
Here's some examples to add fiberglass strips to strengthen the joints and a pic of some fiberglass cloth. You should lay some on all the frame joints. That's a huge frame and one can see how easily it can break.
Glenn
26500724768_8ccddd0766_b.jpg 26529416648_a11b411330_b.jpg Fibergalss cloth.png
 
MATT0404 said:
Excellent. I thought that's what you were talking about but wanted to be clear. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Sure!
I built and flew R/C model airplanes for over 25 years, and we used fiberglass cloth all the time for wing center sections, engine firewalls, high stress areas needing a lot of added strength with little additional weight.
 
@MATT0404 I see moderate damage not severe. I just can't see you not being able to fix this. (compliment) And knowing the specifics of these grills is why I encourage you to do the repairs rather then replace parts. These grills have alignment dowels that must be precision placed so they fit the holes on the speakers. Those that have these speakers know what I'm referring to. So it's with that in mind that I think salvaging the top is important. Wood clamps would be a good recommendation to start. That putty I mentioned will work just fine for building the corner back. The epoxy glue and fiberglass support for seams and corners will suffice because as you know now, the fabric is also part of the structural support.
 
Found a little time to work on the grills today. I couldn't find Z-Epoxy, so I used Gorilla Glue epoxy instead. The tops went on pretty well and, once the epoxy dried, they feel very solid.

The one top had some swelling from water. I took some 120 grit on a ROS and sanded it as flush as I could.

I went to Joanne Fabrics and picked up enough speaker grill cloth to recover both grills. At $5.99/yard, it was less than $20.

Next up will be filling in the gaps, cracks and missing corners.

IMG_20180224_152556.jpg IMG_20180224_152613.jpg IMG_20180224_153438.jpg IMG_20180224_174359.jpg IMG_20180224_174412.jpg IMG_20180224_174541.jpg IMG_20180224_174555.jpg

A little refreshment along the way. :beerchug:
DSC09993.jpg
 
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