Hello all!

I have a pair of Optimus 1050 (Radio Shack) 3-way home stereo speakers
that are about 20 years old. The foam ring that goes between the outer
edge of the cone and the steel frame of each 15" woofer is starting to
split/tear. The speakers still work, but I know it's not a good idea to
run them once the split goes all the way around. Looking around the
net, several places sell repair kits for this.

I have never done it before, but it seems fairly straightforward, except
for one thing: there appears to be a difference of opinion on whether
you need to remove the dust cap and stick shims in between the voice
coil former and the pole piece to center the cone or not. Some places
say you do, while others seem to prefer moving the cone by hand and
centering it before the glue on the new foam dries completely. Which
way does the group prefer?

These are not audio pile speakers. I think I paid $100-$120 each (on
sale) new, and I think I can get complete replacement woofers for $40 or
$50. The main idea here is to get working speakers for less money than
replacing the woofer or the whole speaker. The kits vary in cost and
also in what they include. Is there any US supplier that stands out?

Thanks!

Matt Roberds