Hey guys, this is my first post here. I was pointed in this direction after starting a thread about my Dad's speakers. I have most of his original system and that is part of the reason I'd like to get these back to my place to restore. First, a little background on these.
My dad bought these on base with an AR XA turntable that I have fully modified and enjoy. I have his Sony R2R, but it's last in line. I have an Akai GX-635D that is restored so no urgent need in that medium. These AR-2ax's have been up in the attic in north Texas for decades. One of the tweeter domes has popped out, and I think the TX heat has probably dried these out more than most other places in the country they could have been in hibernation.
I have attached pics to show you the condition. Overall, they are pretty nice. I won't be able to physically check these out for a month. My thought is that I need the tweeters rebuilt and it might be smart to remove those before shipping the speakers, and just send the tweeters to whoever will do the work. This will at least lessen the possibility of additional damage if the speaker shipping boxes are dropped.
I am aware of a seller on the auction site that sells various parts for restoration on these, including the doping solution for the cloth surrounds on these. I have time to fine tune my plan of attack, but I don't have access to my "repair" gear/stuff there, and will wait to check drivers out when I'm back home. However, any advice or suggestions you guys can offer while I wait to fly there, will be appreciated.
One question I have is about the grills. They are actually pretty clean and I may not clean them at all, just vacuum carefully. But what about those crazy staples? I pulled what felt like 30 out of each speaker grill. As a general rule of thumb, do you guys use velcro or a modern way of reattaching? Or do you source similar type staples? It just seems to me that if there is a chance that I'd have to pull these off in the future, why make it that difficult. Plus, I'm guessing that in the late 60's, they were limited to good solutions.
As for refinishing. I will clean up the badges with Brasso, if that is ok. The wood will get a light sanding. I need to deal with the stain, but am fine with it being a part of the final restoration. I may leave the front baffle as is. I am not going to remove any of the markings as to me they honor the history. I'm leaving all the paperwork attached to the back of the speakers, so when I refinish the wood cabs, I'll protect the back panel as well as the front baffles.
Did I miss anything that is important at this early stage?