Question, Are the cones Original or a Recone..... 416-8Bs

Hello All !!

I bought on Craigslist a pair of ALTEC 416-8B woofers in reasonably good condition. I just don't know if the cones are original. Can anyone assist me answering that ??

Here are the visual facts :

They both measure exactly alike 7.8 Ohms DCR. Both have the same cone number, in white ink, of 23974-1 on the cone's backside. Within three inches of each cone number, each cone has a circular white ink stamp, smudged so I can't make it out, size is about 3/ 8 ths of an inch in diameter, or so.

The two drivers have a S/N on each frame that is close!! 02608 and 02616. Any idea if cones are original or a re-cone.

I just don't have the experience in ALTEC yet to know. TIA.

Jeff Medwin aka LowOhms

21184- with any suffix number 1 thru at least 4 should be the cone in an original 416-8B.

Fantastic, thank you so much.

Any suggestions on how to optimally repair a clean 1/2 inch rip on a surround pleat, not on the cone.

I was going to VERY neatly fold some Cigarette paper over the opened pleat, and apply clear-drying, never-hardening Model Aircraft Canopy glue, in a very thinned-down consistency, but with a thorough application.

Anyone wanna suggest some better way ??

The cones were not quite centered when looking at the surround pleats, so I reverse-weighted down the cones, evenly, and the voice coil NOW seems positioned in the gap properly. Just a few nights of reverse-weighting seemed to do it .

Merry Christmas to all who believe !!

Low Ohms, aka Jeff Medwin

merry christmas Jeff. :)
how about coffee filter instead of rolling paper. you might lose the lows. :D

but seriously, filter is much stronger

Thanks Phil !!

I will look at and feel coffee filter paper tomorrow. THANKS !!

Jeff,

FYI

Triodion - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia :wink2:


Re the cone number 23974-1 - in the 1975 Altec Parts List there is a sequence of cone numbers, 238839(416-8B), 23886(420-8B & 420A), 23887(420-A), 23888(421-8H), 23890(423-8Z).

If this numerical sequence progressed beyond 1975 it may have included your cone number. Not to say it would be for the 416-8B but worth further investigation.

The now defunct Altec Pro site had a 1995 Parts List in its Vintage section. Maybe a member may have a copy to share if it is relevant.

It is my understanding that at least through the 70's:

Those numbers represent complete re-cone kits.

23883 is a complete re-cone kit containing cone, 8ohm voice coil assembly, dust cap, surround dope, centering shim, and a 1 inch wide gasket for 16 inch frames. This kit was NOT exclusive to 416-8B, it's also the correct kit for a 416-8A built on the 16 inch frame.

21554 is the same kit as above, except it would have contained the narrow gasket for use on 416-8A in the small frame.

Both of the above kits would have contained some variant of the 21184 cone.

23979 is one of the cone numbers on a 604-8G (and 8H). Perhaps the last digit is a 9 not a 4. That cone will also fit a 16" 416.

Also those serials are quite early 416-8B, perhaps 75-76. Around the time the 604-8G appeared. Could be an original part just a different cone.

Thank you. Very helpful. I have a small patch repair from the rear to make, and these will be good to put into service.

Merry Christmas to you.

Jeff Medwin

Done. Coffee Filter paper was superb, and Model Airplane Canopy Glue, which dries both clear and remains flexible.

It looks darn good to me, and its invisible from the front. Thank you ALL for your care and time. Merry Christmas.

Jeff Medwin