How hard is it to install a new power chord.

[man-in-moon]

I just picked up a used 50 cal head. The previous owner spliced 2 chords together to make it longer. The problem is the chords on these are hardwired in. The local shop wants $100 to put a new one in. So I was wondering has anyone replaced one theirselves if so how hard was it?

 

[Dave Locher]

If you have basic wiring skills you should be able to handle it. If you are afraid or a total newbie you could cut the cord at the splice and install a replacement plug instead. The cost a couple bucks at your local home improvement store.

 

[ehdwuld]

Can you just replace the plug where its spliced?
much easier

Replacing the strain relief where the cord enter the back of the amp is where most folks stumble

 

[JB_From_Hell]

If you do your own pickup installs, this will seem pretty easy by comparison.

 

[Nostalgic Distortion]

As long as you have a good hot iron and hands to hold it you shouldn’t have any problems at all...

Very easy to do....

 

[Securb]

This is not a huge operation we are talking two or three wires depending on the amp. As JB said a pickup install is more difficult. It might even be an opportunity to install an IEC Plug.

 

[ErikH]

There are positives and negatives to doing it yourself.

 

[Gtrjunior]

It’s easy.
Just a root and a fifth!!!

 

[JMP/HBE]

You hafta be smarter than the cord.

 

[GuitarStv]

It’s easy.
Just a root and a fifth!!!

I like to go the extra mile and install an octave in my power chords too. It's a little more work, but the results speak for themselves.

 

[ehdwuld]

I like to go the extra mile and install an octave in my power chords too. It's a little more work, but the results speak for themselves.

Octaves speak highly

 

[Gtrjunior]

I like to go the extra mile and install an octave in my power chords too. It's a little more work, but the results speak for themselves.

Agreed
It is the professional’s method

 

[AlexR]

There are positives and negatives to doing it yourself.

Doing it grounds you too

 

[Securb]

I know you guys are having fun with the puns but the OP is asking for help. Try to stick to the current subject.

 

[JMP/HBE]

Well if you did wire it and wire it incorrectly you or someone down the road could get hurt.
Just the fact you're asking tells me you should not cut corners & have a reliable service person take care of it.

 

[man-in-moon]

Stupid autocorrect got me again lol. I may try putting one in myself. If I want to switch it to a 3 prong cord where do the wires go then? The one on it now only has 2 wires one goes to ground on the chassis. The other goes to a tab on the back of the fuse holder.
where would the other wire go? I looked at a few videos but they showed connecting 2 wires. But I only have 1 terminal to solder to.
I’m pretty comfortable rewriting guitars and making my own cables but have never messed around inside an amp.

 

[JMP/HBE]

Well that ONE WIRE is the $364 Million dollar question.

 

[Securb]

I agree with others if you are asking this question you might want to consider a pro doing the work. This is the most basic of amp fixes but if wired wrong you could fry the amp or yourself.

 

[SlyFoxx]

If you have to ask, don't. It's easy enough but only if you know how.

 

[SoPhx]

Don't play around with house current into the amp. Get a pro to do it. If you do it wrong you have a hot chassis---very inconvenient if you have any future plans in life.