Fender Vibro Champ Restoration From Sparky To Splendid

Join me in the restoration of a 1968 Fender Vibro Champ thrift shop find. It came into the shop as Sparky and leaves as Splendid! I go through each step of the way and discuss my findings. Love Your Tone!
0:00 Fender Vibro Champ Project “Sparky” Findings & Approach
7:01 Can Capacitor Removal
13:24 Replacement Can Capacitor Installation
16:04 Testing Replacement Can Capacitor
17:04 Next Steps Discussion
18:03 Lead Connection Technique
19:21 New Grounded Power Cord Discussion
20:17 Power Cord Install & Voltage Rail Test
22:32 New Balanced Heater Supply Approach
25:03 Balanced Heater Supply Installed & Voltage Rail Test
28:48 Testing Coupling & Filter Caps For DC Leakage
30:22 Next Steps Discussion
31:16 New Observation As Work Continues - Check Out The Damage
32:58 Electrolytic Capacitors Replaced & Power Tube Cathode Resistor Installed
34:15 Final Voltage Rail & Dissipation Test - What A Difference!
38:00 Initial Bench Audio Test & Final Thoughts
44:18 A Look At The Amp & Speaker
46:38 Completed Restoration Sound Tests!

[@buzzedalldrink9131]

Thank you!!! You’re one of the only people I’ve ever seen mention eliminating the two prong cord !!!! I’m with you, I will never work on an amplifier that has a two prong cord. I don’t care if it’s the holy Grail it’s getting a grounded plug.

[@davidbachy5627]

Beautiful work!

[@johnbravo7542]

Nice job John

[@gwbenites]

I believe if you would use some good gel flux (Amtech) when lifting those tabs, it would greatly cut down on the effort you're having to use. Also, even though your Weller might be high wattage, the tip is way too small for the area you're trying to de-solder.

[@jjsant3250]

I think the (non-original) chiclet coupler is leaking some DC. Over 1volt measured, which would likely be higher if you lift the output side for a full test.

[@proampsolutions]

Indeed! I shared your concern and lifted it from the juction of the 220K resistor to ground and the grid of the power tube and got the same 1V result. Thanks for pointing that out as a best practice, I wish I would have included that in this video.

[@user-dz1fq2di1g]

😄😎

[@5barkerstreet]

You need a better iron