Relabeling amp chassis......?

I want to make a separate head unit from my Crate V30 combo. When I do this I'll be turning the chassis up-side-down so the tubes are sticking up (the typical way a head unit looks) but then all my labeling (vol, gain, eq, etc.) will be up-side-down.

Anybody here had to relabel an existing chassis? What process did you use and what did you use for relabeling/repainting? Are there decals available?

Suggestions.....resources?

Thanks in advance!

I've considered this myself. I'm thinking it would be easier to make a new face plate to slap over the existing one. Then you could get some decal paper & start fresh. An added benefit would be if you decide later to turn it back to stock. Some people are anal about things like that. I'm not, but resale value is just that. Another advantage to this is the heat factor. Heat from transformers & tubes goes up. So you're less likely to have heat related failure of caps, resistors, tube sockets & everything else inside the chassis. Also consider making the cab large enough for heat dissipation or install a fan and/or vents. Maybe a hotdog warmer between the tubes?

Hotdog warmer........excellent idea! But..............then I'd need a drip pan as well which would just complicate things.

Thanks for the other suggestions. A removable cover for the faceplate is a great idea. Hadn't thought of that.

If you're going to do a decal, I would recommend trying a sign shop. They could probably do something durable for you. I've never tried it, but if I were in the market, I'd try them.

Dry transfers can give you professional looking results on the this kind of thing at pretty low cost. The disadvantages are, you need to practice before you try it for real, and you need some kind of clear coat to protect the transfers.

Thanks NOS.

Mike -- where would I get the dry transfers you're talking about?

Google dry transfer decals or hit your local hobby shop. Should be thousands of results as they're huge for hobby related stuff.

Art supply stores usually carry them too - maybe even Office Max/Depot will have a few.

They make decal paper that you can run through your computer printer. Print whatever you like on it then slide it off using water and transfer to the front panel.

You can find a strip of the aluminium at ahardware store that can be cut and drilled to make a cover for your pannel. Paint it then add the decals.

Also, have yu seen those name tags made by routing letters into two color laminated platic? Make a panel out of that then have letters engraved.

I wouldn't really recommend the waterslide decal method. I've used them quite a bit for my DIY pedals. They are difficult to handle without folding and sticking to themselves, tear easily during the application process, and are not in the least bit durable. Plus you can see the edges.

Thanks very much for all the info!

It's been a great help.

Mark

As far as the hot dog warmer, you're right. Too much hassle. If you sit on the thing it already is a bun warmer.

I just got some soft faceplates from weber, and theyre a rubbery, maybe vinyl-ish material. I'm pretty sure if i can figure out what the material is, i can just make a CAD drawing of my amp face, and bring everything to a printer's and get it printed out.

A good printer should be able to take the project from start to finish for you. Unless you have CAD & the knowledge it takes to use it. Good idea. I'm considering a similiar project for my PE amp head. It doesn't have a box. Do you have a link for these faceplates?