[jmp]

I have a 1989 540R in Jewel Blue. At some point the black padded material that's in the tremolo route cavity on the front of the body was removed. I'm guessing it probably started to disintegrate and was removed. I'd like to restore it to how it would have looked when new. Does anyone have suggestions on what I could stick in there or if there is an exact replacement available.

In case it's not clear what I'm talking about I've attached a picture.

Thanks!

 

[JsXLine6]

All that it is, is a type of craft foam aka EVA foam. You can find it in any local Joann Fabrics, Michaels or AC more if you're in the states. Or you can buy it online. It's essentially this stuff

https://www.amazon.com/Creativity-S...ords=sticky+craft+foam&qid=1614078516&sr=8-14

That is quite a lot of it haha. But you can use that as a starting point to search for something that will suit your situation.

 

[madasahatter]

Isn't the foam padding that's used for tool drawer liners the same type of foam? You can check the local hardware store.

 

[JsXLine6]

It is the same as that, but there is no adhesive on one side for a tool drawer foam. Not in my experience anyways.

 

[bob493]

https://www.amazon.com/FLOAT-ISLAND...dchild=1&keywords=foam&qid=1614094445&sr=8-84

https://www.amazon.com/Loctite-Spra...d=1&keywords=spray+glue&qid=1614094527&sr=8-3

lifetime supply.

 

[jmp]

Thanks everyone for the links. Looking at pictures of various 540Rs of similar vintage on the web, it looks like most are missing the foam. I'm guessing over time the adhesive deteriorated and the foam fell out. Or perhaps some left the factory without the foam (doubtful). But it's definitely supposed to be there as can be seen in the catalog pictures from '87-'90. Seems easy enough to fix.

 

[Takin' a Ride]

.....

 

[jmp]

UPDATE! I went to Michael's and found this thin sheet of black foam with adhesive backing for 0.99 cents. I cut out a piece approx. 2.75" x 1.5" and it fit right into the space. Looks just like new and I didn't even have to mess with a spray adhesive. Plus I have enough left over for, like, 10 more guitars. :smile2:

Thank you everyone for your help and for steering me in the right direction. This was a much easier project than I anticipated.

 

[bob493]

Perfect, good work

That said, I cant help but notice you have an F1 in your bridge position. Whats up with that? Im sure its fine, Im just used to seeing F2's in the bridge

 

[jmp]

Perfect, good work

That said, I cant help but notice you have an F1 in your bridge position. Whats up with that? Im sure its fine, Im just used to seeing F2's in the bridge

F1 was the stock bridge pickup for the 540R (both HSS and HH). See the '88 and '89 catalog excerpts, attached.

 

[bob493]

I've probably seen that a million times, but never had it "click" I guess. I wonder why the disparity lol. Gotta say the gray on the blue looks really nice

 

[axegarden]

wow I have the same guitar but my foam is still securely in place, and it looks indistinguishable from the foam you found. great repair bruh

 

[RIJO]

What was the purpose of the foam pad in the first place. I recently bought a 1990 Universe that is missing that, but the vibrato unit seems to work fine. It would seem to me like it would also have more range without it.

 

[jmp]

What was the purpose of the foam pad in the first place. I recently bought a 1990 Universe that is missing that, but the vibrato unit seems to work fine. It would seem to me like it would also have more range without it.

I'm sure it was mostly aesthetic. The finishing in that spot is a bit rough and the labor it would take to make it look nice and match the rest of the guitar (such as on the JEM) would likely have increased the cost. So sticking a piece of adhesive foam in there would have been a cost effective way of preserving an overall neat appearance. And yes, it does slightly limit the amount of up-travel on the tremolo.