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Model 17 cabinet damage

JayG87

JayG87

New Member
I have a pair of Altec Lansing Model 17s that unfortunately have some water damage to both of the cabinets, the one is worse than the other to the point the MDF has swollen a little on the top, looking to repair the cabinets and thinking my options are to either sand the top down or replace the top panel and re-veneer or to sand/replace the top and paint them, would go for a piano black finish. Any thoughts or input would be appreciated and if painted piano black would it negatively impact the value of the speaker? Will post pictures of the damage when I make it home. Thanks in advance
 
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JayG87 said:
Any thoughts or input would be appreciated and if painted piano black would it negatively impact the value of the speaker?
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From my point of view, if the repair and refinishing work are done to a high standard and are not too personalized, it should not have a negative impact on the monetary value. "Piano black" may be too personalized and inappropriate in my opinion for the industrial look of the Altec drivers
 
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I’m on the fence about painting them, I’ve not seen any pictures of painted Altec speakers to influence my decision, other than the big red which I think look fantastic just not crazy on red for decor where black goes with everything lol. Ive never worked with veneer before and the rift cut oak isn’t exactly cheap while i’m familiar with finish work on paint, any other color suggestions or should I just learn to do veneer?
 
@JayG87 , I am working on a similar problem. Mine is effecting the seams on the bottom of the Model 17 Cabinet. I have some ideas for that I'm working through in my head.

How is the veneer? Salvageable?

I would definitely vote for veneer, versus painted, on the Model 17. Veneer is not as difficult as it may seem. And it is a very satisfying result when completed. The PVA glue is my method of choice (OK, never tried contact cement, etc).
 
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A little update @JayG87, that was the hardest section of veneer to remove that I have ever experienced. Paint sounds better than it ever did before

I’ll keep plugging away. I need to get this bottom seem repaired.

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Apologies for such a late response, I was on vacation and the day after I got home my home and car were vandalized, that’s had me distracted and I kinda forgot about this for a bit. Here’s a couple pictures on the one, it’s the worse off of the two though they both have that glued together seam along the top
 

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It looks like you have a big project. I have a similar problem but not quite as big as yours. I have to replace some of the veneers. I'm try to match the Oak but don't know if it's red oak or white oak. The factory specs just say "oak" veneer. If anyone can help it would be appreciated.
 
hobobob86 said:
Thanks so much. That really helps. Are you going to use oil with a natural finish?
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I expect so, but I want to research and experiment so that I can match the tone of the veneer that will remain (only a few sides and the fronts).

When I restore old walnut veneered speakers I use an orange wood dye to "age" the veneer. I've never done white oak before. it might be a little orange, a little yellow. I will update here with my findings. Please do the same with any discoveries.
 
The orange wood dye sounds like a good idea as mine have that "aged" look that I'll be trying to match as well. I haven't ordered my veneers yet but will be posting as my project moves forward. Thanks again.
 
I see that TransTint has an “Amber” dye. That might be the one. Almost seems to easy! I really love the end result with dye versus a stain. To me, it makes a big difference. I also find it easier to control or manipulate the color.

Just don’t get it on your hands…
 
JayG87 said:
Apologies for such a late response, I was on vacation and the day after I got home my home and car were vandalized, that’s had me distracted and I kinda forgot about this for a bit. Here’s a couple pictures on the one, it’s the worse off of the two though they both have that glued together seam along the top
Click to expand...

never mind what your doing will work. paint to your liking
so glad mine don't look ever close to that bad.
 
Two people are restoring cabinets in this thread?

Looking at your garage, you seem like a DIY type of person. Frankly, unless you use a really thick or many layer 2k epoxy paint, the finish will never be uniform with the MDF looking like that. For your consideration: the company USM Haller makes modern funiture. Desks and what not. On their wood tables they use a very very thick vineer. White Oak, American Walnut and so on. I would say the veneer is around 3/16" thick. I have a lot of experience stripping down these tables, referbishing the veneer.

IMO you may have an opportunity with your cabinets here because there really isn't much to lose at this point. Consider using a thicker veneer and something with a ton of interesting grain. Sand with a block using 320 or 400. Then use a nice, organic wood oil and let that thick veneer really pull in the oil. Multiple coats if you must. Or since you like wood dye, still consider a thick veneer. Either way or another; post updates.
 
I’m getting closer to completion. I realize I don’t have the latest photo of current state but I have one speaker completely reveneered and the second one just need the edge banding finished. Then a light sanding and oil to go. Maybe I’m done this weekend!

I ended up using am amber Trans Tint dye then added a bit of orange and a bit of dark walnut. My testing went well. We shall see how close a match it ends up being.

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