I knew not everyone would agree with me, but hey, it'd be a boring world if we all agreed all the time :D

Robyn, I'm using a micrometer to make sure the holes are lined up perfectly & I'll use a drill press to ensure accuracy.

Longjohn, it's not just enlarging the holes, I wish it were that simple.

Vintagemore2000, the P-33 & P-86 are both mechanically superior to the stock parts, I've wrestled with the P-32s for many years, trying to get those %#@& flathead machine screws to tighten enough without stripping the heads.

I have a '59 Downbeat in Black Galaxy (very rare as y'all know) & all I've ever done to it is lightly hand sand the bearing edges, pack the lugs, repaint the BD hoops & I've replaced some of the hardware (spurs, tom holder, FT legs) with the new A.T.L.A.S. stuff, which requires no drilling & I've kept the original hardware. The new stuff makes the set more user-friendly.

Now my '68 Big Beat is another story :D I started tweaking it long before vintage drums were a thing, it's on it's 3rd finish (originally blue sparkle, not particularly rare) & I converted a '70 10x7 concert tom to double heads for it. It sounds wonderful.

Thanks to everybody for their input.

What's wrong with the original?

Amigo, I've explained it earlier in the thread but I'll reiterate: I want all brass hardware & the new parts are mechanically superior to the originals.

i support your decision. its all for the good n it sounds like you know what you are doing. go for it and pictures afterwards. :)

Thanks.

Drilling was a little problematic, I had to hold it while my neighbor brought the drill press down & afterwards I had to de-burr the holes with my Dremel, but here's the pics:

[IMG]http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/franticfreddie/DSCN1972_zpsfvmvgyvo.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/franticfreddie/DSCN1971_zps6phrfct5.jpg[/IMG]

Of course I didn't have to drill for the strainer, it's a straight replacement. I'll have to get used to it but it's nice & smooth with a much wider range of adjustment

looks great nice job!!!!

It looks very good indeed. Any extra holes now?

Looks Great... Nice work...

Cheers

John

looks really nice, i like the change, looks more natural now. you did a good job on it. good of you neighbor to help out, may of been a disaster if you had done it on your own. thanks for sharing. you have a very nice looking snare there. enjoy.