Picked up a Pair of AR 4x

[sushimaster]

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/9866/ar4xjv3.jpg

I just picked up a pair of AR4x bookshelf speakers. These are vintage Acoustic Suspended speakers with an 8" woofer and dome tweeter. The woofer surrounds are neither foam nor rubber, but appear to be made of some kind of sticky, elastic cloth material.

One speaker is working fine. The other has the innards rewired, and sounds terrible, very little bass. So I am going to try to restore it to its original condition.

Also missing is the original coupling cap. I decided to replace the missing coupling capacitor with Solen Fast 2.2 uF @ 250v. And ordered some 20 guage solid core cloth wiring for the rewiring job.

The interior is lined with fiberglass which I carefully removed to gain access to the crossover.

Does anyone know what the black putty like material around the drivers is?
Is it Tak'N Stick (http://www.denis.ca/catalogue/produit.html?C1=0&C2=12&C3=2290&P=1&I=70159&C=00&L=EN)?

- Sushimaster

[Rolf Erickson]

I took out the woofers to clean the pots and found the dark putty you speak of. I don't know it's origin, but I think plumber's putty will probably substitute if you need some. You could darken it with powdered graphite or black paint perhaps. What did you have to pay for that pair, if I may ask?

[eidling]

I used 3M Strip-Calk part no. 051135 - 08578 (Black). It's easy to work with and is already black. If you want to go all out, Larry (who I believe is Vintage-AR or something like that on eBay) can be reached at Ljlagace@aol.com . He can sell you the real stuff and pretty much anything else related to vintage AR speakers. He's nice to deal with - I've dealt with him on several occasions and it's been a pleasure. He sells original parts and good (sometimes better) quality replacement parts.

[sushimaster]

Thanks gents,

These were purchased by my father, most likely at some Thrift store here in Houston. He doesn't like to pay more than $10-$15 for vinatage speakers or anything else for that matter. So I'm thinking around that range. He said he didn't like the sound of them, and was using them as stands for his cd/wall rack.

The vintage bug has bit me hard. I'm new to restoring vintage gear, but with so much info on the net, I think I'll be fine. I plan to bring these back to its glory.

- Sushimaster