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Author Topic: Bellows Repair  (Read 931 times)

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Pat McInnis

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Bellows Repair
« on: January 17, 2019, 01:57:32 AM »

I have a spare Pokerwork type bellows that I'm fixing up and was wondering if the old tape should be completely skinned off or just cover it over. There are a few loose bits that will come away easily but most of the old tape is stuck fast and will be a pretty big job to remove it all. The tape from the factory is 3/4" and I bought 1" replacement. I thought that if I went over the old tape that my bellows would possibly end up being really bulky.

Thoughts?
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Graham Spencer

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Re: Bellows Repair
« Reply #1 on: January 17, 2019, 05:07:31 AM »

It's always best to remove the old tape.
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Lester

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Re: Bellows Repair
« Reply #2 on: January 17, 2019, 08:12:37 AM »

Like GPS said it's best to remove the old tape, but it is probably the most hateful melodeon fettling job of them all.


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Tiposx

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Re: Bellows Repair
« Reply #3 on: January 17, 2019, 09:29:26 AM »

Agreed that it is best to take it all off. But... with the Hohner thick black tape with the water resistant skin I have tried it the easier way and it does work. They seem to have a good bond, but of course they can wear through eventually.  I removed all the shiny surface with blunt blades, then lightly  sanded the fluff that remained. Any loose bits were removed. This provided a sound base to glue the new strip on.
I  replaced the most worn tapes on my old Pokerwork and it feels and looks just fine. I can't see which are the replacements and which are original.
I don't think it would work well on the papery gold tapes, as they always seem to partially unglue themselves, leaving an unreliable surface.
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Theo

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Re: Bellows Repair
« Reply #4 on: January 17, 2019, 10:20:43 AM »

That’s a good method if you leave the old tape.  The retaped bellows will be fatter, so you will probably need new longer bellows straps.
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Pat McInnis

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Re: Bellows Repair
« Reply #5 on: January 17, 2019, 04:15:24 PM »

Looks like I'm in for the long haul. Thanks
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Scotty Gring

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Re: Bellows Repair
« Reply #6 on: February 13, 2019, 01:02:03 AM »

So happy (or not) to find this thread as I have a 1040 I'm cleaning up and wanted to "cover over" the old roughed, peeling bellows tape.  Also seeing it 3/4" wide and purchased good 1".  I assumed the bellows straps would need to be bigger and was mostly concerned that I'd be losing bellows travel due to the fact that it wouldn't compress as far.  I guess I will also see what I can remove. 
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