Case cleaning - full or partial? Remove speakers or leave?

[amoorey]

Hi,

I’m working on my first restoration, a JVC RC-880 and I’d love to give the case a full bath but it looks like removing two way speakers is going to be more complicated than removing the main speakers. They look like they are glued in. Is removal easier than it looks or should I leave them and spot clean the case? If the answer is spot clean, any tips or tricks? Just soap and water and cue tip swabs? Thanks! I’m really grateful for being able to access and join this community.

 

[floyd]

The tweeter grills pop of pretty easily . there's only 2 tabs that hold them on .

 

[amoorey]

Oh, good idea. Remove the grills, leave the speaker?

 

[amoorey]

Is there a good way of removing whatever they used to “glue” the tabs? I broke a small tab elsewhere trying to flex the tab without removing the glue stuff. On that note, is there a glue that works to fix a broken plastic tab?

 

[floyd]

Is there a good way of removing whatever they used to “glue” the tabs? I broke a small tab elsewhere trying to flex the tab without removing the glue stuff. On that note, is there a glue that works to fix a broken plastic tab?

You could use a razor or utility knife to cut the glue around the tabs .

 

[floyd]

Is there a good way of removing whatever they used to “glue” the tabs? I broke a small tab elsewhere trying to flex the tab without removing the glue stuff. On that note, is there a glue that works to fix a broken plastic tab?

I've used testors model master liquid model glue with the metal needle applicator tip . this glue has served me well over the years for repairing plastics on boomboxes.

 

[amoorey]

I've used testors model master liquid model glue with the metal needle applicator tip . this glue has served me well over the years for repairing plastics on boomboxes.

Perfect, thanks!

 

[Northerner]

Strip it down and give it a proper scrub in a bath, always the best way to get rid of 40 years of grime!

 

[dubout]

I don't remove glued in / melted in piezo tweeters when giving my boxes a full bath. They don't take damage from water as far as I know. Unsolder the cables and off you go.

 

[Fatdog]

@amoorey , if you give it a full dip in the suds, take pictures. We love to see these beauties getting a bath.

 

[Tinman]

If they're glued all the way around like they look, there's an outside chance that prying and flexing them can break the soldered wire connections off so you have to be careful if you want to reuse them.

Do you know if the piezo speakers are still working?

 

[amoorey]

I don't remove glued in / melted in piezo tweeters when giving my boxes a full bath. They don't take damage from water as far as I know. Unsolder the cables and off you go.

Really???

 

[amoorey]

If they're glued all the way around like they look, there's an outside chance that prying and flexing them can break the soldered wire connections off so you have to be careful if you want to reuse them.

Do you know if the piezo speakers are still working?

Dang, good question. When I was playing the tuner before disassembly I didn’t think to listen to them specifically / independently of the main speakers. Is there a way to test them once I unsolder before bathing? Is bathing them really ok?

 

[floyd]

Dang, good question. When I was playing the tuner before disassembly I didn’t think to listen to them specifically / independently of the main speakers. Is there a way to test them once I unsolder before bathing? Is bathing them really ok?

A piezo tweeter consists of a flat disc to which a crystal is attached and when current is applied produces sound. So basically you can get it wet as long as it's not connected to any power it will simply dry out. There are some piezo where it's attached to a paper cone . those you can't get wet.

 

[amoorey]

A piezo tweeter consists of a flat disc to which a crystal is attached and when current is applied produces sound. So basically you can get it wet as long as it's not connected to any power it will simply dry out. There are some piezo where it's attached to a paper cone . those you can't get wet.

Got it. I’ll inspect to see if I can determine the material. Hope to get the outer cover off later this week. Back side feels like smooth, slightly textured plastic film.

 

[Tinman]

Dang, good question. When I was playing the tuner before disassembly I didn’t think to listen to them specifically / independently of the main speakers. Is there a way to test them once I unsolder before bathing? Is bathing them really ok?

I've only tested them by listening but I'm sure there are other (and probably better) ways.
Someone might chime in or else you'll have to research it.