bebop2k
New Member
Hello!
I have started, and am close to completing, a restoration of some XPL 140’s, but I’m in need of some assistance regarding the baffle material and rejuvenation.
I’ve bought new neoprene foam to replace the damaged original. I did extensive research to get the right type. Underneath where the original foam used to be I’ve tried to use automotive rubber renewer after cleaning with soapy water and a soft toothbrush in circular motions. It appears to have worked, at least a little bit, but I’m not fully satisfied with this solution. I’m not convinced it will help remove the scratch marks on the edge of the baffle for example. If I decide to go this route I will source a high quality product that is water based if it’s available.
Regarding the treatment needed - the baffle appears slightly dry, but is still squishy (although a bit stiff), and seems to have some oxidization (the white marks that aren’t scratches). After cleaning with soapy water, as described earlier, the material regains a darker tone and the marks disappear, but come back after the surface is fully dry again, which takes about 30-60 seconds after wiping dry with a microfiber cloth. I have previously attempted isopropyl alcohol as well with similar results.
To recap: The baffle appears dry and has some oxidization. It is still slightly squishy but perhaps it used to be more so. Cleaning doesn’t remove the marks.
I’ve attached some photos of a brochure from JBL regarding the XPL series of speakers. They call the baffle “RMF” which is short for Reaction Molded Foam. I assume it’s some sort of neoprene, as the softer foam around the mid and tweeter is, but I cannot be certain.
Does anyone have any more information regarding the XPL series?
Does anyone have any tips for rejuvenating the baffle? (remove marks permanently or make look like new)
Any info or tips would be highly appreciated, thanks in advance!
Also, if anyone has any questions about the restoration process or want some more pictures of specific parts, I’d be happy to help! I’m making a video about this project to make the information I’ve gathered more easily available, as there isn’t much online. If it’s allowed on this forum I’ll be sharing it here when I’ve completed the project.
I have started, and am close to completing, a restoration of some XPL 140’s, but I’m in need of some assistance regarding the baffle material and rejuvenation.
I’ve bought new neoprene foam to replace the damaged original. I did extensive research to get the right type. Underneath where the original foam used to be I’ve tried to use automotive rubber renewer after cleaning with soapy water and a soft toothbrush in circular motions. It appears to have worked, at least a little bit, but I’m not fully satisfied with this solution. I’m not convinced it will help remove the scratch marks on the edge of the baffle for example. If I decide to go this route I will source a high quality product that is water based if it’s available.
Regarding the treatment needed - the baffle appears slightly dry, but is still squishy (although a bit stiff), and seems to have some oxidization (the white marks that aren’t scratches). After cleaning with soapy water, as described earlier, the material regains a darker tone and the marks disappear, but come back after the surface is fully dry again, which takes about 30-60 seconds after wiping dry with a microfiber cloth. I have previously attempted isopropyl alcohol as well with similar results.
To recap: The baffle appears dry and has some oxidization. It is still slightly squishy but perhaps it used to be more so. Cleaning doesn’t remove the marks.
I’ve attached some photos of a brochure from JBL regarding the XPL series of speakers. They call the baffle “RMF” which is short for Reaction Molded Foam. I assume it’s some sort of neoprene, as the softer foam around the mid and tweeter is, but I cannot be certain.
Does anyone have any more information regarding the XPL series?
Does anyone have any tips for rejuvenating the baffle? (remove marks permanently or make look like new)
Any info or tips would be highly appreciated, thanks in advance!
Also, if anyone has any questions about the restoration process or want some more pictures of specific parts, I’d be happy to help! I’m making a video about this project to make the information I’ve gathered more easily available, as there isn’t much online. If it’s allowed on this forum I’ll be sharing it here when I’ve completed the project.
