You want to take it to a marine Stainless steel business that deals with this type of metal and have it re buffed, also Finding a virgin stainless steel bass drum will be a tough one, I sold a 26"virgin marcher on ebay last year.

This set was obviously a special order and the 24" virgin bass drum isnt a marching drum that's been converted... I wouldnt have bought it if that were the case. Do you think buffing alone is going to be enough?

It Isn't just buffing that's what it's called, but to do Marine grade Stainless steel which is what ludwig used, this is the good stuff, not like the stainless steel used on the Reissues,, it will go through a several step process, this is how yours and mine's finish was originally done, ludwig didn't finish them the shell builder did ludwig contracted a shipping container metal and plastic company, it maybe the same company that supplied the shells for the Vistalites, also haven't gotten the yes or know from my source Dick Gerlach yet? so they buffing process is not just buffing, but a multi process

Thanks for the wealth of knowledge, I was hoping you would answer as you no doubt know more about these, to me, priceless drums than anyone else and have a collection that others can only dream of. I just dont want to make any mistakes on the restoration, and fairly sure they can be returned to thier former glory.

Gday Slingy

Mate I have a S/S kit down under here in Oz & have specialised in S/S on superyachts for years, if you go down the main page you will see the before's & afters of my S/S polishing. What electro polishing does is bring the Chromium to the surface which makes the surface harder wearing which does give it better protection...BUT... It wont remove scratches. The best results for electro polishing is to polish the material to mirror first then elec pol, it will brighten it up & make it harder on the surface but will show every scratch that has not been removed before the process, you will have to remove the badge. Cool Dude

Dno, Man I'm glad you answered this question.

Ah mate thats just what we do Storm Trooper