I can't seem to upload two photos on the same post.

Multijd, I kinda like the metal hoops, it really doesn't change the sound or tuning and Kent drums are exclusive to that kind of hoop. Even the MIJ drums don't have them like that. I'd keep it original. With some tlc, these drums can be respectable, check out my post, a few down from this one on a kit I just restored. As far as the insides of the shells, I just kept lightly sanding them to remove the dirt and some of the black glue. Be careful to avoid the date stamp if there is one and just go with the direction of the grain. The floor tom that I have had big splinters of wood missing where they drilled from the outside/in, You can see in one of these pics where I filled them with a little wood putty before I sanded. Good luck and post some pics when your done..Rich

Thanks richm,

I saw your post and that got me thinking. I actually live very close to where Kent were made in kenmore, ny.

You should hook up with forum member "Mouse", he grew up across the street from the Kent shop and became very good friends with the Kent brothers. He is also an invaluable source of Kent knowledge and a great guy