Fixing a dented cabinet/veneer on ADC 303A speakers

[erikd]

Hi AK,
I'm new to vintage audio and really enjoying learning about it, largely though the posts here. So thanks for all your contributions!

I picked up a set of ADC 303A "Brentwood" speakers, and I really like them (connected to my Concept 2.5 receiver). The only catch is that one has a dent in the top of the cabinet, poking through the veneer (see pics). I don't notice any issue in the sound quality, but for appearance's sake I'd like to fix it.

Would it be straightforward to peel off the veneer myself and replace it? If so, where can I get new similar veneer?

Or more likely, can anyone recommend a shop or technician in the SF Bay area that could fix it? Any guess how much that would cost?

Thanks a lot!

 

[Ds2000]

That, well that's a little beyond a dent. Remove the woofer and see that it hasn't punched its way to the other side of that panel. Also, check for termites, somehow the particle board looks compromised or just really dry.

 

[CT Jim]

the only way to fix that "hole" is to fill it, sand it, and new veneer for the top. Sometimes you can overlay a new piece of veneer right over the old, but then again, sometimes it may show a thicker line at the edges. Cannot explain when it works and when it doesn't...but, in most cases the thicker edge line isn't obtrusive!

 

[musichal]

My first real speaker. I can think of various ways to deal with it, but I had some tools and a bit of experience. The easiest way to make it look good, for someone with few tools and little experience depends on the bottom not being damaged. If the bottom looks good with a bit of stain and furniture oil, then flipping the drivers on the baffle board would not be too difficult.

Filling the damaged top (now the bottom) just to make it airtight without worrying too much how it looks is still recommended.