Amplifier Troubles

[elbandito]

I've got an '89 Fender Deluxe 85... its a 1x12 SS amp with two channels. The problem is that the input jacks keep dying on me and I can't figure out why. It's been repaired twice now and I'm sick of paying to get it done, so now it's time to try my hand at it. To this end, I've got a couple questions for anybody that can help me out (MM, this means you!)

1) How do I take out the chassis? I unscrewed the four screws on top and expected to be able to just pull the bastard out but it won't budge. I don't have to take off all the knobs and unscrew the nuts on all the pots, do I? God, please tell me that I don't have to do all that.

2) I have a feeling in the pit of my stomach that the input jacks are mounted directly to the board... what's the best way to desolder them and what kind of jacks do SS Fenders usually use?

3) Has anybody had this (or a similar) amp? Anybody else have this problem?

4) Anybody wanna buy/trade this amp?

[veteransdaypoppy]

I'm not much of an amplifier helper dude guy, but taking a few pictures might help with the chassis question.
Just lookin out for ya buddy.

[metalmariachi]

Show me a photo of top, front and back.
(I feel like I’m the master thief teaching some one to crack a safe)

With photos I can get a better idea.
It may be just a case of the tolex not allowing it to move or a couple of screws you missed.
Please don’t remove the knobs.

Solder wick will get the solder from the board if the jacks are soldered direct.

Are there better jacks than the ones Fender uses? Probably check MOJO’s site to begin with.

MM

[multi_s]

I don't have to take off all the knobs and unscrew the nuts on all the pots, do I? God, please tell me that I don't have to do all that.

yes i think you do have to do this. i just repaired a similar styled amp a few weeks ago. In these amps everything is directly on the pcb which often causes pots/jacks to "crack" the traces if they are jiggled. its super easy to fix. its not usually the jack that breaks, just the contact to the pcb.

im in Montreal too if you want a hand. (mile end area).