Rexine ? for handle on Hacker RP25B
 

Back in August posted asking for advice on obtaining then replacing the faux leathercloth fabric for the handle on my RP25B.

Best match for the original fabric I could find was Martrim Vinide Black - right amount of graining and had the non shiny finish of the original. Other samples I received from suggested suppliers were I felt just too shiny.

I baulked a bit in buying from Martrim as I felt their postage charges were a bit on the high side and in pausing before I bought managed to get an RP25A which I needed a bit specialist help with.

Chap who fixed my RP25A also had a small amount of fabric which was a match for the Vinide Black - just enough for the handle - so bit of a result.

Re-reading the advice on original thread soaked the handle overnight and it removed all the old lining from the handle by pushing thumb along the handle - so it didn't get scratched.

Did buy some double sided tape from Screwfix which was a perfect width for the handle but when applied was too thick - so went back to Plan A which was to use glue to attach the fabric.

Eventually settled to use PVA glue as it doesn't set straight away and you can move the fabric around if not perfectly straight when first applied - also if you get an overspill it can be wiped off and it dries clear. The fabric I cut the width using a steel rule and a first use Stanley knife blade - I left the fabric strip over length so the ends could be clamped.

Applied the PVA to the fabric with a broad artists brush - clamped one end to the handle then bent it round the handle smoothing and removing any excess glue as I went - then clamped the other end. Used a damp sponge to remove any further excess glue then patted it dry. Left clamped overnight to dry completely the following day cut the excess of the ends and fitted the handle to the radio.

I'm happy with resulting looks, feel it's a reasonable match both texture and colour and time will tell if the PVA holds well - the good thing is if it doesn't it will be easy to remove.

Thanks again for everyones advice.

Re: Rexine ? for handle on Hacker RP25B
 

A perfect result, well done.

Re: Rexine ? for handle on Hacker RP25B
 

That does look lovely - well done :thumbsup:

Please do report back in a few months time, as I'd love to hear how the PVA holds up. Certainly, PVA is what I use to stick the Rexine back to the wooden panels, but I'd never have thought to try it on aluminium. But if it holds, it'll be a lot easier than the super-strong double-sided tape that I normally use.

Re: Rexine ? for handle on Hacker RP25B
 

Mark,

Will report back on how well the PVA has held in a few months.

David.

Calling M Hennessey - RP25B handle insert.
 

As promised reporting back (after ten months) on how well PVA glue has held on the handle of my Sovereign 11 RP25B.

Can report it's held up well - no deterioration at all - see pic's.

As far as usage goes the radio lives in a warm dry robe, coming out for days at a time to get used - I don't use it in any kind of damp atmosphere like a kitchen or bathroom - so in fairness it's had a gentle life.

Hope this helps.

David.

Re: Rexine ? for handle on Hacker RP25B
 

Well, that's rather impressive :thumbsup:

Thanks for reporting back - see you in another year ;)

It's nice to have another option, I must say.

All the best,

Mark

Re: Rexine ? for handle on Hacker RP25B
 

Aristotle. Do you happen to know how the handle is affixed to the radio?