They were collectible before you removed the wrap. Unfortunately re-wrapped or painted they loose quite a bit of their value. Wrap them don't paint them. Just my .02.

I understand that but they were so rusty, who would want them.

The chrome wrap sold these days would not make it original. Older chrome wrap was metal. Current chrome wrap is plastic. Anyone buying the set - or even looking at it - would be sorely disappointed to find current plastic chrome wrap on it.

Sorry, I wish it wasn't so...I like chrome drums.

I made the decision to remove the wraps based on their condition. I took a close up shot to show everyone what I mean. I tried to remove the rust but had no good results. I did consider sanding them and painting them but figured it would be a better job to just paint the shell. I think that there will be more guys interested in shinny new looking drums rather than chrome with a million rust spots. And we have not even gotten into the dents and scrathes. I was hoping they would clean up an polish but it just wasnt going to happen this time.

Thank everyone for your 2 cents, I do appreciate it.

Jeff C

Hey Jeff,

Don't feel bad about removing the wrap on those, they are yours and you can do whatever you want to them!

I have to agree with the majority to wrap with green sparkle, a big kit like that would really speak in green sparkle.

Not tryin to put you down or anything Jeff. Just my opinion. They are certainly your drums and you can do whatever floats your boat. I'm following along with great anticipation and enjoying every post. Can't wait to see how they turn out.

Just thinking outloud again...

Why are restoring/collecting vintage drums SO DIFFERENT (it seems) than restoring/collecting other vintage "Americana?" It seems that many collectors of vintage drums aren't satisfied with anything anyone has unless it was found as a "museum quality" piece!

Does ANYONE on here ever watch American Restoration? They get stuff in all the time and take stuff and make it as original as possible, but use technology and materials that in many cases wasn't even available when what they're working on was made!

I used to think I "restored" vintage drums, and always took pride in my work. I'd find drums that were trashed and left for dead, then do whatever necessary to bring them back to life --but I "lurked" on here for a long time and discovered that I wasn't really "restoring" them, and to some even butchering them. It didn't take me long to begin changing my terminology and to begin saying that I was "rescuing" drums for "players" and not for "collectors." That really has been the only thing I've changed...

Just wondering why "WE" are so different?

Anyway, Jeff, do what you think best to make these babies look best and play the best. You've rescued them and are raising them from the dead!

Bill

Your not putting me down at all. You are right, they are much more "collectable" with origional wraps. I posted the last picture because in the first four pictures they look like they could be polished. The rust I was able to removed left a pitted/damaged chrome plating surface that did not look good to me. I suppose they could have been sanded to look like brushed nickle then clear coated to keep them from rusting again but I think that could have been a ton of work and results that would be just OK. So anyway I am not upset with any of the responses here, I am happy to get so many. I am now leaning toward new wrap, not chrome but vintage WMP or Precision has one called blue white pearl that I really like. Not opposed to the green sparkle either, first I have to finish the Pearls I am working on so I have time to think about it. Thank you!!!

Jeff C

silver sparkle would light em up

I am considering that, but for today LoLoLoLo my mind is on vintage white pearl. Silver sparkle is very classy too I think.

Thanks. Jeff C