So I decided to start on my restoration project tonight. I didn't think my vistalites were that bad but when you put all the things they need together... :( Yeah... It's going to be some ( alot ) work. I'm going to need some help from you guys. I will post pics of what I got so far and try and keep you guys updated on my very SLOW journey. All advice is welcomed. I've never restored drums before... actually sadly I don't know much about drums except how to play them ( not great I might add ) This is the kit I learned on and I want it to look as great as I think it is... ok enough rattling on here's some pics! [IMG]http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q168/sisterspage/8ad72349.jpg[/IMG]Got some scratches to deal with.[IMG]http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q168/sisterspage/207af4dc.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q168/sisterspage/643ebac4.jpg[/IMG]Got two cracked shells [IMG]http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q168/sisterspage/d0918700.jpg[/IMG]Unfortunately the cracked part broke off.... Need some major advice here.. this is my snare.OH there is also some spider cracks around a screw hole in the floor tom.Thanks in advance for all the help!

When you go to put the parts back on the shell's DO NOT put the screws back on Tight sometimes you will crack the shell..With that said on the snare drum you could try to re glue it but with the crack were it is you would be better off to get a re=placement shell from RCI these are the best made Vista shells out today at O.C.D.P. that is were we got are shells from ..They will edge and drill the shell out for you..Don't try to drill the shell yourself..Its not like working on wood shells.What color is your set? It looks like a Orange to me...Mikey

The snare is fixable if you have all the broken pieces. It would be much easier if it was just a split. The other guys here can tell you what adhesive to use.Carefully clean the shells with Meguire's cleaner #10 and polish with their #17 for a shiny, non-static finish.Good luck!

Fixing Vistalite cracks is easy. Get Weld On adhesive - the water-thin kind - and some band clamps. You'll be in business.For polishing the shells, the standard of care is Novus polishes.

Thanks for the info! It's a vintage Ludwig amber set. I would like to keep the actual snare if possible since it is the original and those RCI shells are expensive from what I've seen... It is fixable right ?

Yes the snare is fixable but it may not hold up when playing the drum again..Yes it true that the RCI shells are expensive to buy,even for me at this time also..But when we had the shop we could get any shell at 60% off listed price.On your Ludwig set the Amber color is one of the best to have as far as color..Oh when you go to clean the chrome parts up on your set Don't Used Steel Wool....Mikey