Repair or Remanufacture Particle Board Speaker Enclosures?

[numerique]

I just purchased a pair of small MCS model #683-8229 speakers from the local Goodwill for $6.99 / set.
The Woofers will need new foam surrounds

Each of the two cases had been dropped on their rear corners and the seam had split at point of impact
( roughly 1/6 to 1/8 inch openings) .

The woodgrain finish along the damaged seams has also separated from the wood, necessitating recovering.

Oh, yes. These are the best condition speakers I have seen in thrift stores for many months.
Bough 'em mostly because I have some MCS gear already but no MCS speakers.

While I would prefer to disassemble each particle board case into it's separate components for refurbishment and reassembly, I do not believe the glue bonds will permit assembly without irreparable damage to the particle board.

Next option would be removing the speakers , +/- 20? dB three way switch and interior padding before using a saw blade to clean out the split seam and attempt to add glue and re-clamp.

Final option is make new particle board enclosures and transfer internal components.

Anyone have experience dealing with split seams on particle board speakers?

 

[elnaldo]

I wouldn't disassemble them. If not too bad, just fix them (fill the corners, glue and clamp the boxes). If they are in too bad shape to be re-glued, it will be easier and cheaper to build new boxes.

 

[rothwellaudio]

A picture would be a big help.
I suppose it depends on how much you want them to look like brand new, but I would agree with elnaldo - fill the cracks with PVA wood glue and clamp them up tight while it dries. You'll never get the veneer off the particle board cleanly.
You could make them structurally sound and then apply new veneer over the top of the old.

 

[dzkfraser]

I wouldn't disassemble them. If not too bad, just fix them (fill the corners, glue and clamp the boxes). If they are in too bad shape to be re-glued, it will be easier and cheaper to build new boxes.

I agree about filling in the corners, but that's it - these speakers a worth a refoam but not much more - get the cheap $10 ones from MAT - ( I had a pair of the exact same speakers which I refoamed - sold them for $60 - sounded OK but nothing to get excited about) - rebuilding that cabinets would be too much effort and cost for the speakers value - unless you have the materials lying around and are looking to hone your woodworking skills.

You should also bypass the protection circuit - these are a known problem with these speakers.

 

[numerique]

Actually, the speakers don't look damaged when viewed from the front.
The slightly lifted covering on one seam at the lower rear of each of enclosures is all that suggests damage.

Sorry about the lack of photos.

Brought the speakers home last night and didn't have time to take photos of the damage.

I would prefer to avoid the extra work of building new enclosures and will try cleaning out the seams, adding glue and clamping with a band clamp.

I'll check Mat Electronics for foam and look into removing the protection circuit.

Thanks to all for the suggestions .