P.S. was it originally a virgin kick drum?

Whether it's "worth it or not," I honestly can't say. If you're out to save the drums, either by restoring them, or converting them into floor toms to use with an orphan kit, for yourself, then it's worth it. If you're looking to flip a parade drum, it all depends on who is looking for one at the time. Market values are pretty set on those old parade drums. Like I said, most folks buy em to convert them into 14" or 15" floor toms. Your call whether it's worth it to you or not.

John

That little kit was on it's way to the trash heap when I found it. I bought it because as FUBAR as it was cosmetically when I found it, it's also a rare 1959 Ludwig transition badge Club Date kit in the original sizes that it was offered in.

9"x13" rack tom, 12"x15" floor tom, and a virgin 12"x20" bass drum. I use an old fashioned nickel clip-mount for the tom. BTW, the bass drum is punchy as Hell.

When I got them, they had three coats of paint on them, inside and out. Then they covered them in contact paper. It was some job man. If you had seen what I started with, you'd really be blown away by how good they came out. Those little tubs were a disaster area. I don't think anybody else would have even bothered to try to save them. I'm glad I did, it's one of my favorite kits.

John

Thanks for all the info John. I can appreciate the work you must have gone to, and I think I would probably have done the same thing myself. Actually just picked up a Ludwig floor tom today that seems to be in a similar state as you'd described - painted inside and out. Can't even tell what year it is, as the badge is gone of course, but it does have some nice hardware, and at least one good bearing edge... but I digress. I'm really just debating, not that I'm really into flipping the drums, but more that I wouldn't want to depreciate them if there were any potential collectible value - I've heard too many sorry tales of drilled kick drums etc. They probably would make cool floor toms as well, though again, unless you had a duco kit to match them with, it might not be worth the effort. I'm kind of tempted, (because there are two) to perhaps take a stab at restoring one to it's original state, and trying something different with the second one. Actually it looks like I could be picking up that other marching snare I'd mentioned, so I could also play around with the lug/t-rod combination... though this one is silver sparkle with metal hoops, and might be better for the floor tom idea.... Ah, I'll just keep on collecting them and see what I end up with. Thanks again.