Need advice on restoring a new to me 1962 Slingerland Gene Krupa Outfit

Loading...

Hello everyone! I recently became the owner of a 1962 Slingerland Gene Krupa Outfit. Found it locally in the rual town I lvie in. I paid $550 for the lot; drums, cymbals, pedals, etc. 

The kit is really dirty and kind of greasy (probably why there isn't any rust or pitting on any of the hardware. I'd love to restore this kit the right way and keep it set up t home and enjoy it/actually play it.

All the shells are stamped July 1962 with the "P" stamp, which my understandng designates the wrap finish. Everything works, and there's no issues or damage anywhere. Only thing was a piece of the inlay from one of the bass drum hoops fell off when I removed the head to look inside and one of the floor tom leg mount pushers was missing, but already ordered a set of reproduction pushers. For it's age, the kit is in amzing condition.

My questions are:

How should I go about restoring this kit? What should I use to clean the hardware once it's all removed? What should i clean the shells (wraps) with and what should be used to polish them? What product shoudl I use to clean and polish the Radio King (COB) snare drum? 

What heads should I put on this kit? I've read conflicting information regarding head sizing for these old Slingerland kits that have wraps. Some sources say you can use standard remo heads, other sources say you need to use the Clasic Fit heads on the toms because they're a bit oversized, but the Classic Fit isn't needed on the bass drum. Also, I have some new Canopus snare wires that are made specifically for this snare drum. 

Finally, should I hold on to the heads that are on the kit now? The toms have actual calf skin reso heads and the other heads may be the originals and the bearing edges are very rounded. I presomnally prefer my oms tuned lower, and like more of a thuddy low rumble over tuning them high. I'd like to use this kit for everything, but usually play old school country and rock. I also have the original bags, but the bass drum bag is really beat up. 

Thank you everyone for taking the time to read this and offer advice. I'm an old guitar player who switched to drums just about a year ago and absolutely love it, and wish I would have done it sooner!

 

1962 Slingerland Gene Krupa Outfit

Posted on 17 hours ago
#1
Loading...

Do NOT use steel wool on any of the chrome parts or the COB snare.

Definitely keep any original calf heads.  Also keep the original snare wires.

Dawn dishwashing soap and water is a good starting point for cleaning.

Depending on the type of wrap, it may be advisable to not remove all the hardware from the shells.  

Posted on 3 hours ago
#2
  • Share
  • Report
Action Another action Something else here