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Messed-Up Lettering Repair?

TSmith8605

TSmith8605

Senile Member
Subscriber
Some of the lettering and markings on my MC 275 IV are messed up - pushed around, scrambled or rubbed off. This lettering seems way too fragile. This is a modern amp and not the silkscreen-on-chrome of old (original MC275).

Does anyone know if the lettering can be redone - hopefully to be more robust? Maybe a question for McIntosh themselves.
 
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You might PM VintageMac as he may have an solution. It's worth a try anyway. Larry did all the work on the McIntosh compendium that is here for us to use.
 
There are 2 ways to look at this issue:
- It is in the back so who care
- Sell it and get another one with proper lettering

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It appears to be either a decal or dry-transfer lettering, in either case I'm surprised that McIntosh or AC doesn't have some that they can sell. They might be concerned that someone will apply it to a non-McIntosh unit.
 
You can go to sophisticated hobby shops and buy lettering to relace the faulty ones. I used Caboose Hobbies in Denver at the time. Then get yourself some clear sealer spray. Using it is the tricky. part. You don't want air bubbles or orange peal. So apply multiple very thin coats. You may need a magnifying lens, bright lights and a steady hand. But I label Brass rail road engines and rolling stock every now and then. Patience and practice in the key to a successful out come. I had to touch all the lettering on one my pre-owned MC-60's back in the late 60's when I traded them and my 240's on a pair of 275's. Also the lettering on one of My Ampex 354 electronics. All those little numbers for the specs on Mac amps can be a pain to replace. Fortunately the other MC 60 was perfect, so I had a great example to work from. Some times tri-cloro=ethelyne will remove the lettering with out much damage to chrome. Or use some of Testors paint thinner or remover with a cue tip. Fixing lettering on a painted surface is the real challenge. Finding black to match Mcintosh black can be a real challenge. And people say all blacks are the same! Not even close! When I had an issue with the cover plate of my MPI-4 I sent it to Frank at Audio Classics and he hand carried over to Mac for me and got it painted. One time he got me some paint to touch up the top of the power transformer on my 2505. I have always been very thankful to have met Frank Gow. My latest pre-owned 7084 had a few scratches on the top cover. I found a nice black at the hobby shop and fired up my tiny air compressor and painted the entire cover. Its not a perfect match, but no one has noticed. It sits right out in front of everybody looking new. Its not the same black as the MX 151 or the newer Macs, more like the C-34V and the older stuff. Semi gloss not flat finish.
 
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The damage on the MC 275 is on the ends. I assume because this is where you have to hold the amp to move it. I am mostly concerned about resale value.

Caboose Hobbies is a great store (or was). They seem to have moved to Lakewood way out on West Alameda - I haven't been in there since the move. I don't think they'll have some of the lettering I need.

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McIntosh will never make this kind of statement.
As you know MC452 is very recent product.
I am not sure which label can stick well to the polish stainless steel.
It should be laser etched
 
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