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JBL l112 restoration thread. Grill fabric repair.

Will2225

Will2225

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I have a pair of JBL L112's that I've been working on for awhile now. I've replaced the speaker terminals with banana Jack's. I've also refinished the tops of both speakers as there were ring marks from what looked like large potted plants. I've managed to get the marks off almost completely on one, and then the other looks better but not perfect. Unfortunately I messed up regluing the fabric on the grill frame. Anyone know a good source for new speaker fabric and has experience applying new fabric to the frame? Also, I was considering recapping these but I'm not sure if it's absolutely necessary. Any advice? They were my main speakers but I'm using Cornwalls now and I can work on fixing these up for sale.
 
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I found a stretchable knit material that very closely matches the blue color that was one of the options for the L112. I have replaced a lot of grille cloth over the years. Because of the wire frame extension on the L112s, you really need to work with a material that streches and in which the weave is not obvious. I used fabric glue to do them, starting in one corner and then stretching to the opposite corner to start. You can use staples to hold it in place when getting underway, and then glue from there.

I attached a pic...but the camera did not pick up the true shade of blue on the cloth. I'll try to take another and post it later.

EDIT: I have contemplated an update of the crossover, but so far have chosen not to do so. If yours are older, they may have the .068uf bypass caps instead of the .01uf that JBL implemented as a performance improvement.

JBL l112s.jpg
 
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Thanks for the reply! Do you have a link or the name of the stretch fabric you used? I'm definitely interested in buying some. I really love these Jbl's. Also, a random question, there should be a gasket between the woofer and the cabinet, right? When I bought these used a few months ago there was none for some reason.

Also, I've thought about doing a recap too but it's seems pretty difficult to get the crossover out so I don't think I will unless anyone has advice on how to do it.
 
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Here are a photo of the speakers and the grills. It might be hard to see in this light. But there are stains where I applied the glue. I unfortunately used a spray adhesive that didn't work very well. If it's possible to just get the marks off of these or get the spray adhesive glue off and reglue the existing grills that would be great.
 

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Will2225 said:
Here are a photo of the speakers and the grills. It might be hard to see in this light. But there are stains where I applied the glue. I unfortunately used a spray adhesive that didn't work very well. If it's possible to just get the marks off of these or get the spray adhesive glue off and reglue the existing grills that would be great.
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Sorry, I did not keep the SKU. I just went to the store and browsed thru the stretch knits. Don't get a material that is overly thin, as it will be too translucent, and will seperate at the corners.

They will certainly have browns and blacks. Other colors seem to come and go.

Your photo did not post. Acetone may work to remove glue stains, but not likely to be a solution if glue is widespread. And, may result in some discoloration, although I have not found this to the case with small clean-ups.
 
spark1 said:
Sorry, I did not keep the SKU. I just went to the store and browsed thru the stretch knits. Don't get a material that is overly thin, as it will be too translucent, and will seperate at the corners.

They will certainly have browns and blacks. Other colors seem to come and go.

Your photo did not post. Acetone may work to remove glue stains, but not likely to be a solution if glue is widespread. And, may result in some discoloration, although I have not found this to the case with small clean-ups.
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That's a good idea. I'll do some research on fabrics and maybe try acetone to touch up the existing stains.
 

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I think you might be better off just starting over. The material must be pulled taut. I use FabriTac glue...holds immediately. As I said, you may want to use staples in the first corner, or first two corners, to hold it in place (after stretching it evenly) while you glue the rest of the edges, then go back and glue those corners.

The material I used was less than $10 (with a 50% off coupon).
 
spark1 said:
I think you might be better off just starting over. The material must be pulled taut. I use FabriTac glue...holds immediately. As I said, you may want to use staples in the first corner, or first two corners, to hold it in place (after stretching it evenly) while you glue the rest of the edges, then go back and glue those corners.

The material I used was less than $10 (with a 50% off coupon).
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Yeah you're probably right. I have to see if I can find the right material online. I'll do some research. Thanks for telling me the glue you used that's definitely helpful. Same with using Staples on the first two corners. I'll try to place an order for new speaker fabric this weekend. Thanks again.
 
Will2225 said:
Yeah you're probably right. I have to see if I can find the right material online. I'll do some research. Thanks for telling me the glue you used that's definitely helpful. Same with using Staples on the first two corners. I'll try to place an order for new speaker fabric this weekend. Thanks again.
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Better pics of the grilles.

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Beige actually. And it is a fairly large open weave.
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Will2225 said:
They look gorgeous. I ended up going for a slightly different look for the fabric I ordered. It's an off white color called Stone. I've seen photos of Ll112's with whiteish grils and I really liked them. Just wish I had room for two separate set ups at my place.
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Or more! I try not to keep any gear other than what is in active use, or that will be repaired/replaced within a few months. As a result, we have 7 systems around the house!
 
toddalin said:
Beige actually. And it is a fairly large open weave.
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Nice! I've seen others online with just the grill white and I liked the look. These look nice too! I ordered the fabric from a company called acoustimac. A little expensive but it has good reviews. I only got three yards but I think that should be enough.
 
spark1 said:
Or more! I try not to keep any gear other than what is in active use, or that will be repaired/replaced within a few months. As a result, we have 7 systems around the house!
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I'm jealous! And I agree, I'm trying to do the same. Only keep what I use, or is going to get repaired. Although if these JBLs don't sell for a good price when I'm done fixing the grills, I might ask a family member to hold onto them. They are pretty great speakers. I also ordered replacement gaskets for behind the woofer. Meant to do this awhile ago. Always seemed odd that the woofer is just against the cabinet on mine with nothing inbetween.
 
Ended up putting on the new grill cloth today and I thought I'd share some pictures. Had to redo the first one I did because I didn't mask off the area well to avoid stains from excessive glue. I used 3m super 77 spray adhesive as I had some around and was impatient. They're not perfect but I think they look pretty good. IMG_20200430_180659.jpg IMG_20200430_180705.jpg IMG_20200430_164153.jpg
 
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