Got a pair of SDA-1C that need refurbishing

Ender
Ender Posts: 603
edited July 2009 in DIY, Mods & Tweaks
Cosmetically, looks like **** on the top and the sides. The front is near perfect though, strangely enough.

So for the top caps, there are marks, scratches, water cup marks, etc. Is it possible to sand it down and refinish? These are solid wood caps I believe.

Otherwise, I will just purchase some wood cuts and sand them down and finish them myself. Might as well get the experience if I am to refurbish my SRS 2, anyhow. If I need to do this, where should I buy the wood and what tools should I use for the cutting like the round corner cuts and rounded edges? Jigsaw and router?

Then for the sides, the grill boards are falling off. The glue is really weak at this point. How should I go about restoring these? I really like the look that nooshinjohn accomplished with his 1C: http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=92017

Then I can have my SRS 2 and a mini-SRS 2 lookalike!!! Lol.

Do I need to remove glue under these side panels before I attach new side panels? If so, how do I go about doing that without ruining the actual cabinet?
SDA 1C, SDA 2A, SDA SRS 2, CMT-340SE, Swan M200MKII, Swan D1080MKII, Behringer MS40

Outlaw Audio M2200 x2, GFA 555 II, BGW 750C

GDA 700, Outlaw Audio Model 990, Sansa Fuze, X-Fi Platinum Fatality
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2009
    I would suggest that you contact the resident "Wood Ninja" on this one.Good luck with the rehab.The 1C's are just a fun SDA to own.:)
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,092
    edited June 2009
    This thread may help a little. Enjoy!
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77694
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,446
    edited June 2009
    You might want to check out mine...

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=92017

    I updated the look a bit by finishing them in cherry and going for an SRS look side panel.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • Ender
    Ender Posts: 603
    edited June 2009
    Conradicles wrote: »
    This thread may help a little. Enjoy!
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77694

    Yeah, I subscribed to this thread. But it still doesn't help me with how to get started and such. Thanks for the rec though.
    nooshinjohn wrote: »
    You might want to check out mine...

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=92017

    I updated the look a bit by finishing them in cherry and going for an SRS look side panel.

    Lol. I have this posted in my OP. Thanks for keeping the photos up! I am aspiring to this build. :)
    george daniel wrote: »
    I would suggest that you contact the resident "Wood Ninja" on this one.Good luck with the rehab.The 1C's are just a fun SDA to own.:)

    Are we talking about F1Nut?
    SDA 1C, SDA 2A, SDA SRS 2, CMT-340SE, Swan M200MKII, Swan D1080MKII, Behringer MS40

    Outlaw Audio M2200 x2, GFA 555 II, BGW 750C

    GDA 700, Outlaw Audio Model 990, Sansa Fuze, X-Fi Platinum Fatality
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited June 2009
    Ender wrote: »

    Are we talking about F1Nut?

    Yes!
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2009
    Ender wrote: »
    Yeah, I subscribed to this thread. But it still doesn't help me with how to get started and such. Thanks for the rec though.



    Lol. I have this posted in my OP. Thanks for keeping the photos up! I am aspiring to this build. :)



    Are we talking about F1Nut?

    he, he,, Who else,, you might have to wait until the sun sets though.;)
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • xj4094dg
    xj4094dg Posts: 1,158
    edited June 2009
    Brad Pitt in Thelma and Louise. He bones the Gina Davis character I think. Had no idea who he was at the time.
    "The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it." Neil deGrasse Tyson.
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2009
    xj4094dg wrote: »
    brad pitt in thelma and louise. He bones the gina davis character i think. Had no idea who he was at the time.

    wth ??
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • Ender
    Ender Posts: 603
    edited June 2009
    george daniel wrote: »
    wth ??

    I believe he gave you who else to consider might be the "Wood Ninja". Lol.
    SDA 1C, SDA 2A, SDA SRS 2, CMT-340SE, Swan M200MKII, Swan D1080MKII, Behringer MS40

    Outlaw Audio M2200 x2, GFA 555 II, BGW 750C

    GDA 700, Outlaw Audio Model 990, Sansa Fuze, X-Fi Platinum Fatality
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2009
    Ender wrote: »
    I believe he gave you who else to consider might be the "Wood Ninja". Lol.

    Well,, he threw that one by me.:)
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited June 2009
    I have some real wood laminate. You have seen my projects...
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • Ender
    Ender Posts: 603
    edited June 2009
    Yeah. But I really like the idea of solid wood, despite its shortcomings. Lol.

    Btw... should I message F1Nut to get his opinion?
    SDA 1C, SDA 2A, SDA SRS 2, CMT-340SE, Swan M200MKII, Swan D1080MKII, Behringer MS40

    Outlaw Audio M2200 x2, GFA 555 II, BGW 750C

    GDA 700, Outlaw Audio Model 990, Sansa Fuze, X-Fi Platinum Fatality
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  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,092
    edited June 2009
    Polkies...What kind of glue is the best to hold the side grill pieces of wood on to the cabinet? Also, the best glue for the wood end caps onto the cabinet.
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2009
    for the side panels,I've had good luck with gorilla glue,, i think that you will get as many answers to this as the cable debates,LOL,,I just lay the speaker on it's side,and add something heavy to the panel,,wait a day,,good to go,,good luck
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,446
    edited June 2009
    I like gorilla grip and hot glue gun. I first apply gorilla grip to the cabinet, leaving areas for the hot glue to be applied. I then place hot glue at the top and positing the piece, then continue down the cabinet until the piece is held in place by the hot glue. Gorilla grip expands significantly as it dries, so care must be used to make certain you do not end up with glue where you do not want it to be...
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • Ender
    Ender Posts: 603
    edited June 2009
    Cool. What should I do to remove the old glue? Just slowly scrape it off? Maybe use a heat gun too?
    SDA 1C, SDA 2A, SDA SRS 2, CMT-340SE, Swan M200MKII, Swan D1080MKII, Behringer MS40

    Outlaw Audio M2200 x2, GFA 555 II, BGW 750C

    GDA 700, Outlaw Audio Model 990, Sansa Fuze, X-Fi Platinum Fatality
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  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,092
    edited June 2009
    I used a small chisel and scraped it off yesterday on mine. Worked pretty good then I sanded it a little bit.

    I'm going to do the Mortite and Driver Basket Foam mods in the next day or so.
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  • Ender
    Ender Posts: 603
    edited June 2009
    Sounds good. What about the caps? Someone mentioned somewhere that it was a bit harder to remove without causing damage to the cabinet or caps or something? Is that true?
    SDA 1C, SDA 2A, SDA SRS 2, CMT-340SE, Swan M200MKII, Swan D1080MKII, Behringer MS40

    Outlaw Audio M2200 x2, GFA 555 II, BGW 750C

    GDA 700, Outlaw Audio Model 990, Sansa Fuze, X-Fi Platinum Fatality
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,300
    edited June 2009
    I think your caps are just bolted on,if you pull the passive radiator look inside. My SDA2's were stapled and glued.
    Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎

    SVS SB16 X2

    Cary SLP-05/Ultimate Upgrade.
    Cary SA-500.1 ES Amps
    Cary DMS 800PV Network
    OPPO UDP 205/ModWright Modification
    VPI Scout TT / Dynavector 20x2
    Jolida JD9 Fully Modified

    VPI MW-1 Cyclone RCM

    MIT Shotgun 3 cables throughout / Except TT, and PC’s
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  • Ender
    Ender Posts: 603
    edited June 2009
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showpost.php?p=536191&postcount=11
    SDA 1C, SDA 2A, SDA SRS 2, CMT-340SE, Swan M200MKII, Swan D1080MKII, Behringer MS40

    Outlaw Audio M2200 x2, GFA 555 II, BGW 750C

    GDA 700, Outlaw Audio Model 990, Sansa Fuze, X-Fi Platinum Fatality
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,300
    edited June 2009
    I stand corrected.
    Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎

    SVS SB16 X2

    Cary SLP-05/Ultimate Upgrade.
    Cary SA-500.1 ES Amps
    Cary DMS 800PV Network
    OPPO UDP 205/ModWright Modification
    VPI Scout TT / Dynavector 20x2
    Jolida JD9 Fully Modified

    VPI MW-1 Cyclone RCM

    MIT Shotgun 3 cables throughout / Except TT, and PC’s
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  • Ender
    Ender Posts: 603
    edited June 2009
    Lol. My SDA SRS 2 caps were bolted on though. But I am afraid of removing the caps without someone's advice on how to remove them. I am thinking of just getting a chisel in there and slowly working away at it, but... I am unsure.
    SDA 1C, SDA 2A, SDA SRS 2, CMT-340SE, Swan M200MKII, Swan D1080MKII, Behringer MS40

    Outlaw Audio M2200 x2, GFA 555 II, BGW 750C

    GDA 700, Outlaw Audio Model 990, Sansa Fuze, X-Fi Platinum Fatality
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,446
    edited June 2009
    Ender wrote: »
    Lol. My SDA SRS 2 caps were bolted on though. But I am afraid of removing the caps without someone's advice on how to remove them. I am thinking of just getting a chisel in there and slowly working away at it, but... I am unsure.
    That appears to be the best way. Just be certain to work your way around slowly, and work them loose a little at a time.:)
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • jimbo1421
    jimbo1421 Posts: 772
    edited June 2009
    Ender wrote: »
    Lol. My SDA SRS 2 caps were bolted on though. But I am afraid of removing the caps without someone's advice on how to remove them. I am thinking of just getting a chisel in there and slowly working away at it, but... I am unsure.

    Can't you remove the drivers and unscrew them from the inside?

    Jim
    5.1 System:
    TCL R613 55" 4K
    Front: SRS-3.1TL
    Center: CS400i
    Surround: Monitor 10B
    PSW10 subwoofer
    Onkyo PR-SC886P Pre/Pro
    NAD T955 5 channel power amplifier
    Technics SL-1710 MK2 turntable
    Audio-Technica AT14Sa cartridge
    Parasound P3 pre-amp
    Oppo BDP-103 Blu-Ray
    2014 MacBook Pro 2.8 GHz

    2.0 Office System:
    Monitor 10A (Peerless)
    Outlaw 1050 receiver
    Parasound HCA-1000A power amp
    MacPro
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,446
    edited June 2009
    nope... they are glued on and then stapled together from the inside...
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,092
    edited June 2009
    The caps were easy. Just tap a chisel with the bevel up into the joint in the back of the speaker and wiggle a bit and you will see separation. Then just work your way around and it will come off. Mine had 4 staples and was barely glued.

    Now they are sent off getting pimped by Nick.
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,195
    edited June 2009
    Ender wrote: »
    Lol. My SDA SRS 2 caps were bolted on though. But I am afraid of removing the caps without someone's advice on how to remove them. I am thinking of just getting a chisel in there and slowly working away at it, but... I am unsure.

    A large (wide) bladed paint scraper works very well for the side panels on the 1C's since they are glued on.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited June 2009
    If you are going to discard the original caps/tops...I used a small wooden block and a rubber mallet to get the old caps on the leading edge to start to come loose.

    A wide pry bar will also work fine,as long as you don't put pressure on the top edge of the cabinet itself...which can leave a impression.

    A small grinder will take off the staples that are coming through the top of the cabinet.

    Very simple,once you get them started to come loose.
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  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,092
    edited July 2009
    george daniel wrote: »
    for the side panels,I've had good luck with gorilla glue,, i think that you will get as many answers to this as the cable debates,LOL,,I just lay the speaker on it's side,and add something heavy to the panel,,wait a day,,good to go,,good luck

    I used some Liquid Nails this past weekend and it worked like a charm.

    My top caps painted by Nik should be here Friday, so I'll post some pictures this weekend.
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  • Ender
    Ender Posts: 603
    edited July 2009
    Nice! Thank you. I am still having trouble getting rid of the side panels. One of them seem to be stuck on pretty good and I am afraid of taking a scraper to them too hard because it might damage the actual enclosure...
    SDA 1C, SDA 2A, SDA SRS 2, CMT-340SE, Swan M200MKII, Swan D1080MKII, Behringer MS40

    Outlaw Audio M2200 x2, GFA 555 II, BGW 750C

    GDA 700, Outlaw Audio Model 990, Sansa Fuze, X-Fi Platinum Fatality
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