Number two in my 'Problem Series' - This was a very messy and smelly mystery for weeks until I put up a blog post and got some people commenting on this issue, which it seems is sadly getting more common. It appears that the PVC jacketed wiring from the 50's and 60's is now disintegrating due to a reaction between the plasticizer and the copper. I'll make a second video about installing the new cord and the conversion to 3-wire power. Stay tuned if you want to see a little bonus after the credit roll...
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Join Team FranLab!!!! Become a patron and help support my YouTube Channel on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/frantone
#fender #amp #restoration
- Music by Fran Blanche -
Frantone on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/frantone/
Fran on Twitter - https://twitter.com/contourcorsets
Fran's Science Blog - http://www.frantone.com/designwritings/design_writings.html
FranArt Website - http://www.contourcorsets.com
I've seen this green goo many times on SF Fender amps that use PVC wiring. I've also seen it on old Peerless output transformers with PVC wiring… It's the PVC wiring… I usually just get a stong paper towel to take mose of it off and if I have to solder onto the wire, use sandpaper to get to the good copper…
Fran, Still waiting for the follow-up video.
Naptha is not going to hurt that tolex . It would help it . Its funny u are so worried about preserving the amp yet u had no problem screwing a fan into the cab . U wouldn't have had this problem if u just replaced the two prong chord in the beginning. Just saying
Awesome and rare amp!
I have seen the goo! But never that bad before. Now I understand it. Thanks, Fran. 💛
Did part 2 of this repair ever happen? Having trouble finding it.
Almost always end up cutting those strain reliefs tabs out to remove them. They always end up messed up anyways. Edit: I've never seen amp wiring bleed Vulcan blood though
I have a few amps from 50s & 60s. I must be lucky, but glad to know about it now. Thx.
Beautiful piece of USA hardware , AND AMP is nice too.
i had thi problem with my holmes. it somehow also destroyed my old motorcycle boots. i stored them inside the open back of the amp along with the cordas i usually do when not using the amp, (normally i dont5 put bboots in it this was a special situation.) i had to store it with other belongings in my aunt's basement in rhode island and it flooded about four or five inches. weird never before seen kind of mold grew and started i guess eating something and this green goo was all over my boots and the wire and even the rubber handle on the top of the amp had degraded and turned goopy. probably not the exact same thing as your goo but i had to toss it all. the mold was yellowy.
Some vintage items are best kept original, and others are best updated to modern standards, or at least close to as realistically possible, for reasons of safety. You now have two reasons for the latter to install an earthed three-prong mains connector, including disconnecting any 'ground-capacitor' switch. Resale value will be unaffected, plus it minimises the potential of it killing someone one day.
Edit: I really should have left the video play for a couple more minutes before commenting!
I adore you Fran.
The Motor City Madman amp! I loved my April '65 pre-CBS Fender Bandmaster.
Hey Fran! Are you fragrant sensitive/chemical sensitive? Multiple chemical sensitivity? I've noticed a couple videos where you've been irritated by smells. And then notice that you use perfume free soaps. I have multiple chemical sensitivity and I'm curious if that's something you also are dealing with?
Interested in the design logic to have the components upside down. It seems like the tubes would vibrate loose. Your thoughts other than serviceability?