Where to Get New SF Vibro Champ Faceplate????

[lakehaus]

I've searched all over the internet to the best of my ability and haven't found a source for reproduction SF Vibro Champ faceplates... I picked up a fine example (sarcasm) that I want to rebuild. The faceplate is beyond restoration, as I discovered.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks - JR

[Ron Worley]

I've seen them on the 'Bay occasionally, and a guy from Thailand named Noojwut has them sometimes....

Ron

[skyboltone]

I've searched all over the internet to the best of my ability and haven't found a source for reproduction SF Vibro Champ faceplates... I picked up a fine example (sarcasm) that I want to rebuild. The faceplate is beyond restoration, as I discovered.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks - JR

Amplates.com Just take the screwed up on, take accurate measurements (I mean dial caliper accurate....to .001) Send the measurements and a picture of a real one to him and he'll fix you up. If he gives you guff about trademark, send a picture of the rusty one. That's good enough for Fender.

[Phil_S]

As Dan alludes, the problem is that Fender has asserted its trademark rights and forced the repro market to dry up. You have clear standing to have a new faceplate made, as you are going to restore an actual Fender product. I think you will be able to get someone to make it for you once they understand it as a legit request. You may have to go one step further by lending them the old one to aid in making the reproduction. This will have the added benefit of letting the maker take his own measurements.

[lakehaus]

Thanks for the input so far. I picked up this poor little amp to restore and would be glad to send the original faceplate for duplication - it has scratches and wear that can't be buffed out without signifcant damage. I have the cab stripped, filled, sanded, and ready for new original Fender tolex, and new Fender cloth, knobs, straps, and handle on order.

[img:640:480]http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh17 ... G_7468.jpg[/img]
[img:640:480]http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh17 ... G_7469.jpg[/img]
[img:640:480]http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh17 ... G_7478.jpg[/img]

[skyboltone]

Have you called Fender to see if they have one in stock or have a suggestion?

[lakehaus]

Have you called Fender to see if they have one in stock or have a suggestion?

You know? That thought never crossed my mind... seriously. Someone here sold me a SF OEM replacement yesterday from a mid-70's model (Vibro Champ v. Vibro Champ -Amp) for a good price, but I'll give Fender a try... go figure.

[Zippy]

Heck, that looks pretty good to me. The tolex looks as though it may clean up well. I'd take the chassis apart and spend some time with a greenie to get the corrosion off. The cabinet hardware could be polished and replated...

Of course, you and I may have different ideas of what a restored amp should look like.

G'luck!

[lakehaus]

Greenie def in order! The sides of the cab, and some places on the back were pretty to' up. I already removed the old tolex and have the cab saneded and prep'd for re-tolexing. Also, the handle strap was installed wrong from the factory... one screw hole was 1/4" off center, which may not sound like much but def noticable. I plugged it and drilled a new hole.

I'm not out to make a perfect, museum quality restore with all original parts. Just wanna make a decent looking - true-to-the-circuit practice amp. I'm going to pick up a new Weber Sig 8 tonight I found on CL, and just rec'd new knobs, chassis straps, speaker wire, and handle today.

Tomorrow is "build new baffle board" day. I hope to have the tolex on this weekend.

Next is the guts. That's where I have NO experience. Should be fun.

[Phil_S]

To my eyes that faceplate just looks like a 40 year old amp should. Give it a good once-over with non abrasive cleaner and it's good to go. I venture to say, it's worth $50 on eBay just as-is. Forget about getting a replacement. It won't look age appropriate. Just my 2 cents.

[lakehaus]

In this case, the camera subtracts 10 lbs! The faceplate really is jacked up, so was the tolex. My choice was to keep it as is, or restore to a useable state, and not be fu'gly... the latter works for me. I want to use as many original parts as I can to reach that goal.

[Structo]

I didn't know those face plates were detachable. Good to know it can be replaced.

[lakehaus]

I didn't know those face plates were detachable. Good to know it can be replaced.

Oh yeah... the fasteners for the pots, input jacks, on/off switch and power light hold it on - at least that's how mine is.

[M Fowler]

I used to bend those face plates up taking them in and out of the head cab. They would always stick on one side or the other or both.

Mark

[Structo]

Funny it seems like you can buy most of the blackface panels but try to find a replica of a silverface and you are SOL.
I can't believe people turn there noses up to the silverfaces. They can usually be converted to blackface specs fairly cheap if that's what you want.