Recently we were reassembling a teardrop speaker we got but it was already taken apart. I realized after two trips to the store the fasteners are not as cut and dry what to use. This is what we used to reassemble the speaker and other useful notes. Read all before starting, re-tap before starting.
IMPORTANT NOTE READ THIS!! When putting screws into wood or plastics where there was already a screw “back thread” to avoid cross threading and stripping out or worse breaking the plastic. To do this, position the screw like your putting it in but turn it backwards, you will feel or hear a click or drop. Then go forward or clockwise, now you are taking the original patch in rather than cutting a new one causing more damage or weakening the vintage equipment. this is also a good idea for metal ro any screw your putting back in. Takes a second and saves you work in the future.
First trim and position the cloth you plan on using for the chevron and speaker area. We used a little spray glue on the cloth then attached it in place using the chevron to ensure it was covered and also did not protrude outside. For the speaker grill We positioned the three holes to be at an angle for the script like the original brochures showed. then put tape on back marking the top, then sprayed the cloth before attaching it to the metal. Pay close attention to get the direction right to match the chevron. Some final trimming to just bigger than the metal mesh is recommended at this point. Continue to install with the ring to ensure it cures flat.
Chrome Ring and chevron; We had to first re-tap all the threads to a 6-32 thread. Then we used 11 6-32 by 3/8 button head machines screws with washers. We had no issues getting the chrome parts to fully seat.
Seeburg Script; Poke this through the cloth where the mesh holes are. Use two to three emblem speed clips part 49-7507 to hold it in place, careful to not bend or break the emblem or studs. Replacement scripts can be purchase with part 59-2094.
Speaker and back cover; We found Button head sheet metal screws #8 1/2 inch and 5/8 inch work great here and follow the original screw path in. 1/2 inch works great for the speaker and 5/8 worked great for the back cover. remember your going into Bakelite plastic that’s old, back threading is recommended.
Please see pictures of the tools we used and assembly.
