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McIntosh 4100 Outer Case Re-do

C

camaronut

Active Member
Well - I got bored and decided to try and cover the original so-called "wood case" on my 4100 with walnut veneer. I peeled-off the vinyl fake wood and went from there. Pretty happy with the result because I've never done this before.
I first tried replacing the case with fake wood shelving but got tired of the "cheap look" so I figured the unit performs so well it deserves to look like it too.
 

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Looks as good as the solid wood cabinets that have been made by various vendors. Great job. :thumbsup:
 
Thank you!!! Now onto replacing those hideous rear panel RCA jacks with a retro-fit board I purchased on ebay.
 
Cool!
For some months I have kicked around the options available for tackling the original 4100 Case.
It's been an on-off affair, and I once did order a case from AC, but then quickly canceled the order.

I had thought about exactly this as you have done as well, and felt it was a logical, simple and, in a way the most correct solution, just as McIntosh constructed their many other Cabinets-Cases.

I know my thoughts varied-wandered as fans here have thoughts-desires of a 4 sided Case. Sure, can be beautiful, but it also veers quite a bit from the bone stock 4100. I am of the camp to not necessarily alter-modify audio equipment like this, but I also say never say never.

I had thought about the processes, since I have/had some bit of experience working with Laminates, and over the years at Amtrak I probably "snorted" enough of the Green 3M Contact Cement to stock a Semi Trailer! Flooring, and other jobs at hand.

I feel the way you did it is the correct way, to remove the original laminate material, and not go over it.
Possible bonding issues, and it's exactly akin to putting a new roof over an old roof, it's a crap job.

I'd assume there's plenty 4100 examples out there that are in pretty rough-sad shape as far as the case is concerned, and in that event any dips-dings divots or dog bites on the case's MDF can be repaired prior to laminating.

My 4100 Case is fairly decent considering, but it is not perfect. A couple little minor scratches-dings on top near the rear cut-out.

A couple questions I have of you if I may? For our knowledge-enlightenment here.

Did you find difficulty in removing the original faux laminate? Was any excessive damage caused to the underlying MDF material?

Did you use one whole piece of Laminate to cover the Top Panel, or were you required to piece the material?

Are such Widths easily attainable without having to buy either massive sheets, or large quantities?

I ask this last question because I get a hankering that the reasons Audio Classics chose to "piece" the wood laminate on the top panel of their 4100 Cases, is because of availability, and cost.

Oh, did I forget to say Bravo!! Well done! Thank you for sharing! :)
 
camaronut said:
Thank you!!! Now onto replacing those hideous rear panel RCA jacks with a retro-fit board I purchased on ebay.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I seen those Boards, inexpensive, but you populate them, and then the wonderful fun of retro-fitting.

This would be beyond my abilities to correctly do. Luckily my 4100 isn't in "dire need" at this point, but the stock 4100 Jacks are mighty "particular" of what RCA Cables you use.

I seen a mock up procedure done somewhere with this mod (possibly their website), and how they explained about the use of standoffs and some small specialty hardware in order to correctly mount this Board.
 
Taking the original vinyl off the boards was easy. Using a heat gun I slowly heated the board while peeling back the vinyl. Don’t use too much heat… a hair dryer would be good also. No damage was done to the underlying MDF. I left the vinyl alone on the inside left and right side boards figuring no one will see, plus it’s an additional pita I wasn’t wanting to deal with.

As for the top, the veneer was 48” wide so using a piece larger than the top was simple. Slice off a piece of veneer and place around the board while leaving about an inch overlap over each side. Glue both sides then carefully lay it on and using a rounded corner 1x4, work out the veneer to make it lay flat. Do all three sides first, cut with a super sharp box cutting blade and cut accordingly to the edge from underneath. When completed, sand lightly with very fine sand paper and let the residual dust get in between the edges where the top and sides meet. Then using gel stain, go over each board and make the stain lock the dust in the edges, then wipe off. I did it twice. Luckily it turned out. A friend of mine does this as a hobby and told me all the secrets… so don’t tell anyone… lol!

Veneers come in various sizes, they’re on eBay for around $100 for a 48 x 96 inch slice with the adhesive already applied. Cheapest without the adhesive of course.

In the end, it’s all about the level of confidence someone has to do things like this. I’m just crazy like that…lol.

As for the backplane RCA jacks, I’ve already removed everything and now on the turn back home with the retrofit board. The unit’s jacks were ok, but knowing how bad they are convinced me to proceed.

I’ll post my results when completed.

And thanks for the kind words. Appreciated.
 
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Retrofit completed….. hardest thing was marking all the wires to the right positions and making sure you put them in the right spot when soldering them to the new board.

Mounting the board was accomplished by using black 6-32 1/2” screws, #6 - 4.5mm long nylon spacers #6 nylon washers and 6-32 nuts.

Take time and be patient, it’ll work out.

Sorry, I should have taken pictures during the process but I was in the zone and forgot.

Duh.
 
camaronut said:
Retrofit completed….. hardest thing was marking all the wires to the right positions and making sure you put them in the right spot when soldering them to the new board.

Mounting the board was accomplished by using black 6-32 1/2” screws, #6 - 4.5mm long nylon spacers #6 nylon washers and 6-32 nuts.

Take time and be patient, it’ll work out.

Sorry, I should have taken pictures during the process but I was in the zone and forgot.

Duh.
Click to expand...
Pictures would've been nice. Perhaps one of when it was finished?
Maybe too early to ask, but have you noted any sonic differences?
 
Yeah true. I thought about taking pics when I was done - I asked myself why didn't I take pictures......oh well. The only thing I noticed is that I don't have to move the right channel RCA connector around to make contact......besides that, no differences. The contacts are precise and have a firm grip on both polarities.
Drilling-out the rivets from behind was scary, but after all is said and done - I'm glad I did the retro-fit. I think it improves the value of the unit actually.
 
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Thanks folks…. Appreciate it.

You can do it….. just be patient. Do the large sides first then the edges. Like I said, get the veneer with the adhesive already applied.
 
camaronut said:
Yeah true. I thought about taking pics when I was done - I asked myself why didn't I take pictures......oh well. The only thing I noticed is that I don't have to move the right channel RCA connector around to make contact......besides that, no differences. Drilling-out the rivets from behind was scary, but after all is said and done - I'm glad I did the retro-fit. I think it improves the value of the unit actually.
Click to expand...
Yes, a pic to add if you have the time would be great.

Might also be of further interest to know what further parts you chose to use, and why? Please feel free to add anything you might wish to say about this modification.

Will space restrictions possibly not permit certain types of Jacks? Is this perhaps one of the reasons that Stand Offs are required? Or no? I can imagine that no, one is not going to be able to shoehorn WBTs in back. LOL

Look at these. Just don't look at the price is all! LOL

partsconnexion.com

Cardas Connector GRFA-Short Series RCA Female Jack (Thin)

GRFA Short Female Jack, Gold Rhodium Plated, Mounting Hole 0.44" (Thin) The Cardas Audio GRFA S is a short female RCA jack with rhodium-over-silver plating and a eutectic brass body. It comes with a thin gold-plated brass nut and red and white insulation washers.
partsconnexion.com
 
Purchase the RCA jacks that are suggested. Bought both red (R) and white (L) ones accordingly. The seller is willing to help with any questions. Once you get past the 4th beer, it was all systems go:beerchug:.

In all seriousness, for anyone who has mechanical skills, veneering is easy. If you have both mechanical and soldering skills and tools, this is an easy conversion. Just take your time and tag everything.
 
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