Will try and make this short, have a few questions about my project.
Want to restore my kit so every nut, bolt, washer etc gleams better than new but don't know if that is the way to go. I'm sure purists would say clean them up and leave them alone.
Some things need to be restored replaced, I have no choice.
Cons:
- bass drum hoop paint has nicks from claws and paint has flaked over the years
- some chrome has light/moderate pitting, snare hardware suffered the most as I used it on the road
- snare top rim cracked . . . still have it but needs repair/replace
- snare strainer has 2 holes drilled in it to accomodate thicker string - forgive me I was 10 years old
- missing cymbal L-arm - lost over the years /cry
- missing original Ludwig Standard by Paiste Ride cymbal germany . . broke it using it as a crash . . stupid . . metal drummers . . sheesh
- missing original kick pedal - don't even remeber what it was to be honest
- missing original hi-hat stand - was some ancient, cryptic thing broke almost as soon as I got it (footboard looks llike the one in pic below but was a regular hi-hat stand)
- missing original cowbell and bass mount holder
- consolette has a crack running along the curved tube
- white paint inside shells is yellowing
Pros:
- have both orginal bass drum heads - one minor ding on each
- have original Ludwig Standard by Paiste hi-hats - germany
- have original flat base snare stand - good condition not great
- much unpitted chrome throughout
- finish very good but some dulling/yellowing over time
- found a beautiful pristine consolette replacement on ebay
- all other parts are original and included which is basically most
What I want to do is repaint bass hoops, replace all chrome that has any pitting, replace all missing parts/hardware/cymbal, polish every nut/bolt/spring etc, shine shells to high gloss remove yellowing if possible, remove yellowing from inside shells if possible. Basically make it mint, better than original.
Question is . . . is it better to keep it as close to original and aged as it is or do everything I mentioned above? The worst of which would be repainting the hoops I'm guessing. Any parts replaced would be from same era. If parts are replaced from the same era does it have a huge effect on value/desirability?
I am planning on keeping this kit as it is irreplaceable to me. Just want it to be shiny and beautiful as I feel that's what it deserves. A showpiece that I play sparingly for recording/fun. No more road miles for any of this kit.
Thanks in advance for any help and wisdom you may have regarding my questions. Appreciate your time for reading.
Regards,
Eric
