Best 18w chassis and faceplates?

[shakti]

My next project is a 2x12 18W combo. I have an original RS output transformer and a pair of T652 alnicos for it, and just received a beautiful combo cab made by Swanson with EC Collins pinstripe. I got the cab made to the exact specs/dimensions taken from a vintage 18-watter (found at the 18w community page).

I had already bought a chassis and faceplates for this project from a guy in the UK. However, it turns out that the original 18w chassis must have had slightly different dimensions than most of the clone amps/project chassis available. The rear panels of the combo cab are only 6" tall, but all the chassis I see (incl the one I got) is more like 6.5". What's more, the width of the chassis is probably also a tiny bit shorter than original chassis, so it only just spans across the mounting blocks inside the cab, leaving almost no area of contact where I can screw the chassis into the mounting blocks.
Lastly, the repro chassis has inward folded flanges with mounting holes on both the front (faceplate) and rear (tube sockets and mains inlet) sides, whereas the originals had the folded flange only on the front/faceplate side.

Does anyone know of a repro 18w chassis that is exact in dimensions? Failing that, is there anywhere I can get an exact chassis custom made without breaking the bank?

Furthermore, the faceplate I got for is frustrating...the plexi is nice, gold colour looks good and the font is the correct type, but way too big! I am going for a very authentic build here, so it's not quite up to scratch. Does anyone make a repro which is exact? Sparky makes wonderful JTM45/black flag/JMP panels that look really good...anything at that level?

[Metal Handles]

Nice project Shakti!
You're going to have a real beauty when you finish that one
I have a 1X12 Style I 18 watt cab made by Swanson and love it. I got my chassis from Graydon at GDS and it fits perfectly.
You might want to ask Jeff Swanson what chassis will fit the cab he made for you. He should be able to send you in the right direction.

Now the faceplate is a different situation entirely. I have three different plexi repro faceplates on three different amps I have and none of them looks like the '69 50 watt plexi I own. As a matter of fact, the best looking faceplate I have is the one on my 1999 JTM 45 reissue! Well it is 15 years old now. Somebody really should make some aged face and back plates to replace all of the cracked and broken plexi panels out there.

Good luck and let us all know what you come up with. I'll be watching for further developments on this one!!

[shakti]

I had the cab made to dimensions which were (purportedly) taken directly from a '66 2x12 18-watter. I say purportedly, because compared to the photos of that very same amp, the upper area of the front (where the logo attaches) is clearly a little wider on my cab, even though it is made to the exact measurements I got (there are very detailed photos of the amp, as well as a sheet with measurements, found on the 18watt forum). So Swanson made my cab to the dimensions I provided, and not his "standard" 18w cab. Turns out that repro chassis is not exactly the same as old chassis, so my era correct cab does not match up 100% with currently available chassis. It's not a big deal, I can make it work with the chassis I already have, but would like to look for a more authentic option.

IMO, Sparky's front panel for are very close to the originals, at least for the font (which is the most important part for me). If only he made an 18w version...

[shakti]

Bump...any suggestions on where I can have a chassis made to my specs and not break the bank completely?

[neikeel]

http://www.18watt.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=23905

Scroll down to the second build pics. I had my chassis specc'd to be as original but with a lip in the bottom for strength it was not a stock chassis from him and I had to wait a little longer, he said he could do one without the lip if I insisted but did not recomend it. The faceplate I got from Steve was pretty good, IMO, but maybe I am less picky? His prices were very reasonable IIRC.

[shakti]

Hi Neil,

as always, you step up with some helpful info. You should be made an honorable forum member by now!

I assume this is the same guy I got my chassis from (on Ebay)? I asked if he had a chassis without speaker jacks and IEC cutout, but he said it was the only chassis he had. Perhaps if I ask him on the 18w forum he may be able to help me? A custom chassis with the right dimensions would be very cool! I'd even go without the rear lip just for authenticity.

In his Ebay ad, I just saw pics of his current panel and it looks much better than the one I got. The font on mine is way too large...perhaps mine was a leftover from previous production? I'll have to ask...

In any case, if he is able to do custom chassis, and he can supply one of his current faceplates, I should be good to go!

[shakti]

Just so it's clear...are you saying yours was a custom chassis, Neil? From another source, I was told the original chassis was 20 x 5.5" whereas most available chassis is 20 x 6.5. Is yours the original size?

Your panel does look nice, the one I got has a larger font than that.

[neikeel]

Just so it's clear...are you saying yours was a custom chassis, Neil? From another source, I was told the original chassis was 20 x 5.5" whereas most available chassis is 20 x 6.5. Is yours the original size?

Your panel does look nice, the one I got has a larger font than that.

My chassis is what I was told would be identical to an original but with the extra lip. I told him I was using original trannies and type board. The panel was one he said was accurate. I took him at his word, but to be honest could not tell the finer details, looked accurate to ones I had seen. Mine is fitted in a 2x12 combo cab that is not 100% original spec and I made the wooden bracket 'box sections' which the chassis screws to at the ends and stabilises these to the outer panels of the cab. it also helps that there are 4 screws that hold it to my back panel ( I made that too as the one that came with my box I had drilled to fit a 50w head into the cab before.

[shakti]

I see...if you get a chance, could you measure the width of the chassis? It may just be his "standard" chassis after all. I really need to find one which is 5.5".

[frenchie]

there's this guy too ( or he's the same guy neil talked about ??) ;

http://www.valvepower.co.uk/chassis.htm

by the way the dimensions are on this webpage shakti

[shakti]

Bumping this topic. I got my chassis from the same guy who has the valvepower.co.uk site, but it is not 100% accurate. It is too wide vs the 5 1/2" of the original chassis. I've tried contacting him and a couple other sites that sell 18w chassis, but none of them have even replied.

What I need is a custom chassis with 5 1/2" width, and otherwise with the right holes and transformer cutouts for an 18W.

Anyone know of a true custom chassis shop that may be able to make a chassis like this? If I could get the finer details just right, like the right flanges, no IEC cutout etc, then that would be a plus.

[M Fowler]

http://modulusamplification.com/

[neikeel]

I think modulus only do head type cabs.

Suspect that for Shakti's purposes he is going to have to get a one-off made. getting the alloy bent needs a special jig but most decent panel makers will be able to do that. The sockets will need punches, drill and dremel. I have done a few from scratch like that, and at least you can guarantee everything will fit.

[shakti]

Yes, I suspect the same. But I really don't know where to begin the search.
Bacino amps make 18W repro amps which feature a correct size chassis, but last time I spoke to him he wasn't keen on selling any chassis as he was running low and his chassis maker had closed shop.

Any hints at all on where I can start?

[M Fowler]

http://www.seasidechassisdesign.com/

He can make any size chassis you want, I've had many made for me, good quality.

Mark