Need ideas for repairing torn paper driver

[dlneubec]

Unfortunately, I have a very expensive treated paper driver (PHL) that was inadvertently torn (see photo). I'm wondering if it there is a relatively easy repair that will keep it usable. The tear is a jagged V-shape, but can be pushed back into place and virtually disappear, so I'm hoping it can simply be glued back together with the appropriate adhesive.

Does anyone have any recommendations to fix this?

[Kevin P]

You can try gluing it, just be careful not to get glue on the spider or voice coil assembly.

As long as the glue makes an airtight seal and the cone remains sufficiently rigid it should work fine.

If not, there are companies that can recone drivers.

Is that a midrange driver?

[dlneubec]

They are PHL 2520's, a high efficeincy midrange.

[dlneubec]

Any thoughts on the type of glue?

[Paul W]

I'd try the thin superglue to achieve precise positioning and some penetration...followed by a thin layer of the gel type superglue to add just a bit of beef at the junction.

[Amphiprion]

See if they will recone it for you.

[Dennis H]

The PE speaker glue pretty much sticks to everything.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=340-076

[RobP]

Give this company a call and ask for their AKP with a bottle of AKPA activator, this is more than likely what that driver was assembled with. You can glue the edges of the tear, put it in place and spray the activator on, it will set instantly. I have repaired many torn cones with this stuff, its great to have around.

Company name is WVS and the phone # is 260-424-5463

[alias2]

Do not under any circumstances go anywhere near superglue.

I've done several repairs of this sort using PVA wood glue (and tissue).
By the look of the tear it should be easy, apply PVA along the seam.
Tease the torn segment back into position, tissue should not be needed.
Any excess glue can be wiped off, cleaned off with a damp Q-tip.
PVA on the front or back surface is not needed, the point is
to wet the torn edges of the seam and bring them together.
A near invisible repair should be possible, it will be very usable.

Its possible the cone is also sealed against moisture by the coating
and there may be little unsealed gaps, I've never dealt with this.
Waterproof (external) PVA would help, possibly thinned with water.
If its just appearance possibly a fine brush and little clear nail varnish
or something similar, though I think the PVA repair wiil look good enough.

(FWIW superglue give you no time to get it right, smooth it or remove it.
Its also a little known fact superglue is hydroscopic and under external
conditions will eventually dissolve/fail. It is also too stiff and can crack.)

/alias2