I have removed wrap from a ca. 1985 Pearl Export, the first series with the now-standard FEPOS single lugs.

That was real easy, as the wrap was only glued at the overlap, and there was some backing paper between wrap and shell to avoid buzzing.

I was pleasantly surprised, because it wasn´t visible at all from the "outside", and the the wrap felt real tight like it was glued all over.

So, you might have the same luck....

I have also removed wrap from a Tama Imperialstar tom from maybe 1982 - full-glued. What a mess.....applying heat can soften the glue, and constantly poking a knife between wrap and shell to cut the glue is necessary.

Don´t just pull!

Take your time...

Regards

Jon

What do you guys use to clean up the glue mess......I would think that shell has to be really clean and sanded before you even think about the stain.

Ditto. I removed metal/chrome wrap from an 80's Ludwig tom. What a time-consuming, hair-pulling process.

One advantage over the plastic wrap -- the metal wrap won't break-up and/or splinter while being removed...

I've got 2 80s Pearl maple shell BDs with the metal/chrome wrap... and I just assumed the wrap was glued on, so I need to check that out. I've actually avoided these 'cause of the work I knew I'd be getting into. But -- IF these are only glued at the seems -- as Pearl did with their plastic wraps even in the 70s -- the job won't be so bad after all. Thanks Jon!

I've used "Goo-Gone" that you can buy at Wal-mart or any hardware store...

I never saw goo gone come in gallon sizes before !!!!

Oh, I have... got it at Lowes I think, that or Home Depot.

Acetone removes glue as well.

Use it outdoors - or get stoned!

Jon

I used a product called 5f5 to remove glue residue from old shells after I removed the wrap. Worked great, but another stinky product that should be used out doors or in a super-ventilated room.

Leee