Hi Kevin,

Thanks for the suggestion.

I have only looked on eBay. I have read that the original strainer did not work that well, so I haven't decided if I want to spend a lot of time looking for one and money on an original if it doesn't function that well. But it is possible someone may have only had experience with one that was worn over 80+ years of use, so it is quite possible and likely that other peoples experiences have been much different.

I will reach out to Mike777 and see what he has.

Thanks!

Gar,

Thanks so much for posting that picture. I have not seen one like that. I ordered a new Ludwig hoping it will fit, but would like to find an original one.

Do you have pictures of your drum you could post for motivation :)

I am going out to try and find some cape cod cloth/cleaner.

Thanks again!

Sure thing CLP,

A few quick pics, she's no museum piece, but sounds good.

The Tango strainer is OK, not great, but lends enough tension.

Gar,

Thanks so much for the pictures. The drum looks great!!! If I can get mine to come out looking that nice I will be ecstatic. I have some rust deposits that I tried removing Friday evening with NevrDull. I may try it again tonight and then order some of the cape cod product if I can't get it looking any better. I went to Home Depot and Lowes yesterday looking for the Cape Cod stuff or something else that would be safe to use on nickel, but I couldn't find anything.

Thanks again!

Try ace hardware- that's where I found Cape Cod Polishing cloths.

http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1418156&kw=cape+cod+polishing&origkw=cape+cod+polishing&searchId=55780886013

Thanks AutoPilot, I'll give Ace a shot today.

I used the Nevr dull again and decided to soak the drum in liquid dish detergent and what I thought was a light brown rust seems to be softening up. It wipes off sort of greenish / blackish in color. I think it may just be more dirty than anything. The hoops have rust on them though.

AutoPilot,

I picked up the Cape Cod polishing cloths and they did a great job. There is still a little something on the shell in the area above/beloe the rib, but the drum looks significantly better. Thanks so much for the suggestion!!!

The Ludwig butt plate I ordered is way too wide, so I put the Gretsch strainer and butt plate.tension knob back on, and it seems to work well. I'll keep an eye out for The Tango strainer and butt plate though.

Thanks again to everyone for your help!

I will post some outdoor pictures over the weekend.