How to Refurbish a Peavey 5150 Head

Since its introduction in 1991, the Eddie Van Halen signature line of 5150 amps and speakers has been one of Peavey's best-selling product lines. Unlike solid-state amplifiers, tube amplifiers utilize older, less-durable tube technology that requires regular maintenance. When a 5150 head has not been on a regular maintenance schedule for a long time, it must be properly disassembled and refurbished. Knowing how to refurbish a Peavy 5150 head can make the difference between dependable, excellent guitar amplification, and losing tone and power when you most need it.

• 1

  Disconnect the power from the Peavey 5150 head by removing the A/C power chord from the power socket and removing the opposite end from the back of the head. Do not play through the head for approximately two days. This will allow the capacitors in the head's circuitry to fully discharge before maintenance.

• 2

  Remove the screws and bolts holding the amplifier chassis inside the case with a Phillips screwdriver and a socket driver.

• 3

  Slide the chassis out of the rear of the case. Take care not to damage the glass tubes or protruding elements of the circuit board while removing the chassis.

• 4

  Clean the exterior of the head with a clean cloth, removing all loose dirt and debris.

• 5

  Clean the interior of the case with a clean cloth. Carefully remove dust that has accumulated on the metal screen or "tolex."

• 6

  Remove the carrying handle and corner caps with a Phillips screwdriver. Discard a broken carrying handle or corner caps.

• 7

  Repaint any damaged surface paint with glossy black spray paint. Allow the paint to dry fully according to manufacturer instructions.

• 8

  Reattach the original or any replacement corner caps and carrying handle with a Phillips screwdriver.

• 9

  Blow away any loose dust from the chassis with compressed air. Attach the spray tube if one is available for hard-to-reach places.

• 10

  Remove any dirt and grime affixed to parts of the chassis with compressed air and a toothbrush.

• 11

  Tighten down the power transformer screws with a Phillips screwdriver. The power transformer is a large metal box affixed to the chassis with Phillips-head screws.

• 12

  Remove a tube with a clean cloth and set it aside. Oil from your hands can contribute to tube failure.

• 13

  Spray contact cleaner into the tube socket and re-insert the tube, holding it with a clean cloth, and moving it around in the socket to clean the inner surface of the socket. Use only enough contact cleaner to clean the socket without spraying the surrounding area. Repeat this process with all tubes.

• 14

  Wipe away any excess contact cleaner from the tube area with a clean cloth.

• 15

  Clean the volume and tone potentiometers (pots) by spraying contact cleaner in the opening between the pot and the chassis. Turn the pot knobs in their full rotation five times to clear any dust.

• 16

  Wipe away any excess contact cleaner from the pots with a clean cloth.

• 17

  Slide the chassis back into the case and secure the bolts and screws in place with a socket driver and Phillips screwdriver.

• 18

  Reconnect the A/C power cord to the rear of the Peavey 5150 head.