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Ludwig/WFL Transition 16" Floor Tom Nickel Harware

Posts: 22 Threads: 7

I have a 1958-59 16" Ludwig Floor Tom with Nickel Lugs and WFL stamped Nickel Legs with spring clamps.

My problem is that despite the fact this drum has been sitting next to a furnace for fifty years, the spring clamp brackets have rust so thick it has become part of the medal. They all function fine but look bad. Any suggestions on cleaning nickel without destroying?

Also, I have stripped this drum to bare wood and the shell is perfect. I am almost certain the shell is Maple but what else was offered in that time frame?

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Posted on 10 years ago
#1
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

Barkeepers friend it will remove the rust and gunk, It won't harm the finish at all. It comes in a powder and a creme, for your application get the powder, get a plastic tub. shake a good amount of the powder into the tub also some dawn detergent, warm water a scrub brush. Let the parts just soak for a good while use the scrub brush as needed.

Your shell because it is painted on the outside is maple .It is a 3 ply maple.poplar. mahogany shell, http://www.lowes.com/pd_228018-53427-11514_0__?productId=3654956

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 10 years ago
#2
Posts: 22 Threads: 7

Thanks. I'll give it a shot

Posted on 10 years ago
#3
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

I'm getting ready to do a pair myself just like yours.

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 10 years ago
#4
Posts: 2010 Threads: 19

The shell would have a maple exterior ply since that is what the used for lacquered drums to have a smooth surface to paint on. Wrapped drums from that era generally have a mahogany exterior ply. The middle ply (making up the majority of the shell) is poplar and the interior ply is probably mahogany (but could possibly be maple).

Posted on 10 years ago
#5
Posts: 22 Threads: 7

Amazing the build quality of this Ludwig Drum compared to otger drums sets from the early sixties. The Rogers shells sound great but all their structure is in hoops. I really may do this drum in dark cherry stain and play it with my Gretsch set

Posted on 10 years ago
#6
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

Here is a before and after p[ic of the floor tom leg mounts , barkeeper friend and a tooth brush.

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Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 10 years ago
#7
Posts: 625 Threads: 79

Someone on ebay has a wfl duco kit, thats missing a floor tom. Hmmmm.

Something to think about.

Posted on 10 years ago
#8
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