Hello, I always remove old adhesive, if its not there it wont cause trouble. Many guys on here use different products to remove it. I use lacquer thinner or Xylene.

I would not use douple sides tape to adhere the veneer. Either find a veneer with a PSA backing or use contact cement. Good luck, let us know how it goes.

Question for the master - why not wood glue?

Thanks,

Mitch

Thanks Jeff for the advice.

I wound up going with a birch veneer, and I removed all of the old adhesive from the drum with a strip solvent.

I did use contact cement, and while it was nerve wracking to make sure I had the shell and veneer lined up just right because it wouldn't reposition without wrecking the veneer, it came out pretty well. I also wrapped a 3-ply snare shell I had which was in the same state.

The hoops turned out to be more than I bargained for. They have lots of fairly deep digs from where cowbell mounts, clamp-on spurs, cymbal holders, etc. have been carelessly clamped for 60 or so years... so rather than try to smooth all of that out, I have decided to just paint them a solid color.

Here is a shot with the veneer mounted - next step is to file/sand the outside edge to smooth the edge of the veneer, stain, poly, then drill out the holes.

There is one area on the bottom of the bass drum where the contact cement must have dried too much before I applied it, so there is a bubble. I am thinking I will have to shoot some glue into the bubble with a needle/syringe... anyone done this?

Ken

a iron with a wet rag

Looks pretty great from here! Makes me want to try some veneer.

Yes, looks like a very good job!

nice job so far on the restoration. nothing like giving some old drums a new lease on life.

mike

What a great save! Nice job... :p

John

Just fill those hoop gouges and dents with some Elmers gouge wood filler, and sand it smooth, and paint . I have done it with several hoops. It's easy and really makes them look good.