Chassis laminate: keep or remove?

[ViperDoc]

I just am loading my jtm chassis onto the bench and it is covered with a thin, outer poly laminate that has a “low noise technology “ graphic on it. I’m feeling like I should leave it unless it’s the kind of thing that tends to smell bad when the amp heats up. What say you? Keep it or tear it off?

[Jered]

R u talking about the thin protective film? The longer u leave it on, the more difficult it is to remove.

[Stevem]

Remove it now for sure and spray the chassis down with a epoxy clear if you want added corrosion protection.

[10thTx]

I've used inexpensive Dupli-Color spray cans of auto paint on chassis for maybe 12 yrs. I spray the color I want 3 coats and clear coat 2 coats. I've never had any of the paint chip off. This method allows ALOT of different colors to choose from. I simply sand the chassis with 120 grit circular sander.

You can use water slide decals for labeling the controls IF you want. For myself, I don't use labels on the chassis. Just as I don't need numbers on my watches ……. I know which control is which.

Just a thought to consider. I am NOT saying you "should" do this.

With respect, 10thtx

[ViperDoc]

OK, GOT IT! I never thought to clear/paint the chassis, but it sounds like a good idea.

What about cleaning the chassis prior? My bassman chassis had a bunch of brown water spots and I cleaned them up (poorly) with some acid, but I didn't like how it turned out.

[statorvane]

Follow 10th's advice to sand the chassis - that should remove any spots. I'm not sure what acid will do except etch the surface.

10th, that is a great looking cab. Flame maple? Very nice.

[ViperDoc]

I've used inexpensive Dupli-Color spray cans of auto paint on chassis for maybe 12 yrs. I spray the color I want 3 coats and clear coat 2 coats. I've never had any of the paint chip off. This method allows ALOT of different colors to choose from. I simply sand the chassis with 120 grit circular sander.

You can use water slide decals for labeling the controls IF you want. For myself, I don't use labels on the chassis. Just as I don't need numbers on my watches ……. I know which control is which.

Just a thought to consider. I am NOT saying you "should" do this.

With respect, 10thtx

Follow 10th's advice to sand the chassis - that should remove any spots. I'm not sure what acid will do except etch the surface.

10th, that is a great looking cab. Flame maple? Very nice.

How does painting your chassis affect the chassis grounding? Do you mask off the inside? I also like your color and wood scheme, I can see how this could become an obsession!

[alkuz1961]

If I saw correctly, this chassis is made of aluminum. The "low noise" information refers to metal processing processes, but not to the noise of a device made of this material. This film must be removed. Aluminum does not rust, so there is no need for additional corrosion protection. Reliably paint the aluminum chassis is quite difficult. Aluminum has very poor adhesion with paints and necessary use active primers. The best paint option for aluminum is powder paint.

[statorvane]

Aluminum starts oxidizing immediately once exposed to air. There are self etching primers that will adhere very well to aluminum. Rustoleum makes one.

[ViperDoc]

If I saw correctly, this chassis is made of aluminum. The "low noise" information refers to metal processing processes, but not to the noise of a device made of this material. This film must be removed. Aluminum does not rust, so there is no need for additional corrosion protection. Reliably paint the aluminum chassis is quite difficult. Aluminum has very poor adhesion with paints and necessary use active primers. The best paint option for aluminum is powder paint.

Aluminum starts oxidizing immediately once exposed to air. There are self etching primers that will adhere very well to aluminum. Rustoleum makes one.

Thanks for the info! I took the cover off, and I think I'm going to stick with the front and back control plates for now. I must admit, though, I don't like them very much, except that they do look British.