Only Admins can see this message.
Data Transition still in progress. Some functionality may be limited until the process is complete.
Processing Attachment, Gallery - 180.36743%

Just getting started on a 60's Ludwig set Last viewed: 2 hours ago

Loading...

Hi all,

Been searching around the internet for a while and just came across this excellent site, so glad I found it.

I've just inherited a set of drums from a late uncle, a Club Date kit from the 1960's that he got as a kid and held on to throughout his entire life. They are in super rough shape, but they are Sky Blue Pearl underneath all the grime. Here's a few "before" photos (sorry for the crappy lighting and phone camera quality), but I figured I would update this thread with progress.

[img]http://i.imgur.com/gx1ge.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i.imgur.com/wIgeM.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i.imgur.com/BVStR.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i.imgur.com/EjnEA.jpg[/img]

I started by pulling the chrome hardware off on the bass drum to clean it...and already I'm getting excited with the cleaning results. I soaked everything in vinegar / baking soda for about 24 hours and then just wiped and scrubbed a bit, then sprayed them with WD40, and the rust just disappeared and they've stayed shiny. I've ordered some NeverDull as well to try on them next to really get everything gleaming.

[img]http://i.imgur.com/BOb8W.jpg[/img]

This weekend I hope to see if I can get the funk off the wrapping and get down to that original color through the yellowing that's happened. I seem to see on here that a buffing wheel + novus is highly recommended, but if anyone else has any opinions I'd love to hear them.

PS I've never done this before and I'm not even a drummer...just a guitar player. But I sure plan on starting to play once I'm done!

Posted on 12 years ago
#1
Loading...

Welcome! you will like it here, nice poeple to chat with. I think your wrap is sky blue pearl not blue oyster. It is amazing how that old chrome can clean up so nice, good work. I would not try any kind of electric buffer on the shells. A good cleaning with Dawn dish soap then use the Novus but with good ole elbow grease, you can tell Im old cant you.

Keep us up to date on the progress!

Jeff C


Thank you!
Jeff C

"Enjoy every sandwich" Warren Zevon
Posted on 12 years ago
#2
Loading...

Glad to see you are going to give that kit another life,good on Ya.

I agree with JC that the wrap is prob SBP.

From the pic of the inside of the kick

it looks like the kit could be late 50's early 60's,pics of the Badges would help to date it if you are curious of the date of manufacture.

I look forward to pics and your comments on the resto.

Welcome to the forum by the way.

Posted on 12 years ago
#3
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37
Loading...

Your snare and floor tom look close,..Is that Floor a 15" ?

It`s a drum,.....Hit It !!

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 12 years ago
#4
Loading...

Nice! That'll be one sweet kit when you're done. I love sky blue pearl - have two myself. Don't skimp, this kit is well worth the full treatment and many tips can be found right here, or just ask. Have fun and enjoy those drums.

LOGOS - Vinyl Bass Drum Brand Logo Decals
http://www.ebay.ca/usr/barrhavendrum...p2047675.l2559

Barrhaven Drum Guy
Posted on 12 years ago
#5
Loading...

Welcome and thanks for posting. You have joined the great drum site in this universe. I'm waiting for the day when I get this type of opportunity.

Take your time and if you have question, just ask before proceeding. I guarantee someone has the answer.

If the drums are from the late 50's/early 60's, is that Stratocaster in the background from the same period? Mind Blowi

If it is and you don't play guitar, you might be able to get some pretty good seed money for your drum project and pay some bills off too.

Good luck, keep us posted and don't use any type of steel wool on those drums. Just use good old fashion elbow grease and they will turn out fine.

- Tim

Posted on 12 years ago
#6
Loading...

Awesome, thanks for the replies everyone.

You are correct in that they are Sky Blue Pearl. I've corrected the original post.

The floor tom and snare are 14", the other tom is 13", and the bass drum is 22".

My mom ran the badges before she gave them to me, and said the snare is 1960-1963, and the rest are 1964.

I do play guitar, and no, unfortunately the strat is definitely not anything worth a crap. I won it in a contest, it's a Korean Squier.

I should be able to post some more pics this weekend of cleaning progress. The Novus I ordered off of Amazon so it won't be here until next week. Do you guys really think it will be able to get them back to their original color? This is after my first scrubbing with a sponge and dish soap, and you can see how different the kit's color is now vs. the original that was underneath the hardware...

[img]http://i.imgur.com/neXQ6.jpg[/img]

Posted on 12 years ago
#7
Loading...

(eek, also just realized there's a "Restoring Vintage Drums" sub-forum...mods feel free to move my thread if you want. Sorry!)

Posted on 12 years ago
#8
Posts: 2212 Threads: 95
Loading...

Not likely they will go back to blue no matter what you do, just polish them up and enjoy them for what they are!!

That is a real nice kit you have there, you will be very happy with them!

Posted on 12 years ago
#9
Loading...

That kit is beautiful!!! Good job taking the time to restore it! I actually like my SBP a bit faded! Looking good man!

Posted on 12 years ago
#10
  • Share
  • Report
Action Another action Something else here