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Vistalite crack assistance

Posts: 730 Threads: 61

The clear Vistalite set I just bought off eBay arrived with a cracked snare drum shell. Upon further review, it was visible in the photos, but you had to know where to look.

The seller represented the kit as being crack-free and admits he missed it. He feels badly about it and has agreed to reimburse me for the cost of repairs. I've read the threads about Weld-On, but I don't have the skills or the technology.

So:

1) The crack is behind the strainer. It emanates from the upper mounting hole and goes to the top and bottom of the shell. There are also two smaller 3/4-inch cracks. Is it worth attempting a repair on one of the most-stressed areas of the drum that gets played the most?

2) If so, I'm looking for a Southern California craftsman in Orange County or within a 50-mile drive.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

9x Slingerland New Rock 50N 12-13-16-22 with 170 (Super S-O-M) holder
• 1979 Oak
• 1978 Blakrome + 6.5x14 TDR SD
• 1977 Black Diamond Pearl + 5x14 SD (gold badge, Rapid strainer)
• 1976 Black Cordova
• 1975 Silver Sparkle + 5x14 SD (Rapid strainer)
• 1974 Chrome + 5x14 COB TDR and 6.5x14 COW Zoomatic SDs
• 1973 Purple Sparkle
• 1973 Phantom (clear)
• 1971 Walnut (gold badges) + 5x14 TDR SD
1x Rogers Powertone Londoner V 12-13-16-22
• 1972 Butcher Block + 1979 big R Dynasonic SD
Posted on 12 years ago
#1
Posts: 1342 Threads: 71

Check out vistalitedrums.com They show how to repair cracks and have links to providers. I used acrylic solvent cement on mine. It worked great. You need to get a small applicator bottle as well as the cement.

Posted on 12 years ago
#2
Posts: 9005 Threads: 266

It's a simple repair you can do yourself. Bungie cord and Weld-On. Done. On a difficulty scale of 1 to 10, this job is a 2 or 3 at best.

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 12 years ago
#3
Posts: 730 Threads: 61

That's a nice site. I'll give it a try.

9x Slingerland New Rock 50N 12-13-16-22 with 170 (Super S-O-M) holder
• 1979 Oak
• 1978 Blakrome + 6.5x14 TDR SD
• 1977 Black Diamond Pearl + 5x14 SD (gold badge, Rapid strainer)
• 1976 Black Cordova
• 1975 Silver Sparkle + 5x14 SD (Rapid strainer)
• 1974 Chrome + 5x14 COB TDR and 6.5x14 COW Zoomatic SDs
• 1973 Purple Sparkle
• 1973 Phantom (clear)
• 1971 Walnut (gold badges) + 5x14 TDR SD
1x Rogers Powertone Londoner V 12-13-16-22
• 1972 Butcher Block + 1979 big R Dynasonic SD
Posted on 12 years ago
#4
Posts: 9 Threads: 2

From al9000

The clear Vistalite set I just bought off eBay arrived with a cracked snare drum shell. Upon further review, it was visible in the photos, but you had to know where to look.The seller represented the kit as being crack-free and admits he missed it. He feels badly about it and has agreed to reimburse me for the cost of repairs. I've read the threads about Weld-On, but I don't have the skills or the technology.So:1) The crack is behind the strainer. It emanates from the upper mounting hole and goes to the top and bottom of the shell. There are also two smaller 3/4-inch cracks. Is it worth attempting a repair on one of the most-stressed areas of the drum that gets played the most?2) If so, I'm looking for a Southern California craftsman in Orange County or within a 50-mile drive.Thanks for any help you can provide.

If you want a professional job it will cost you. I recommend Romano Cotone, owner of RCI International located in Bridgeport, CT. I own several Ludwig Vistalites sets from the late 70s. If you value your investment his acrylic heat weldment process is the strongest filler material that you will find at any repair facility in the USA.

Too many rim shots!
Posted on 12 years ago
#5
Posts: 818 Threads: 10

Romano would be the one to call, RCI makes Vistalites.

http://www.rcivistalite.com/

I'm down the street and around the corner from them.

Posted on 12 years ago
#6
Posts: 5227 Threads: 555

From al9000

The clear Vistalite set I just bought off eBay arrived with a cracked snare drum shell. Upon further review, it was visible in the photos, but you had to know where to look.The seller represented the kit as being crack-free and admits he missed it. He feels badly about it and has agreed to reimburse me for the cost of repairs. I've read the threads about Weld-On, but I don't have the skills or the technology.So:1) The crack is behind the strainer. It emanates from the upper mounting hole and goes to the top and bottom of the shell. There are also two smaller 3/4-inch cracks. Is it worth attempting a repair on one of the most-stressed areas of the drum that gets played the most?2) If so, I'm looking for a Southern California craftsman in Orange County or within a 50-mile drive.Thanks for any help you can provide.

I have repaired cracks at that part of the drum..I used Weld-on glue.The way i do this is put the glue in the cracks.I use some rope around the drum as a vise and make it as tight as you can..On some snare drums after fixxing the cracks i had put a piece of chrome metal from lug to lug next to the strainer..I know it does not look that good but it works..Mikey

Posted on 12 years ago
#7
Posts: 5356 Threads: 87

From JRichard

Romano would be the one to call, RCI makes Vistalites.http://www.rcivistalite.com/I'm down the street and around the corner from them.

Where are they in Bridgeport? I'm in the next town over from you. Are you able to go there and look around or is it online sales only?

Thanks.

Glenn.

Glenn.

Not a guru just havin fun with some old dusty drums.
Posted on 12 years ago
#8
Posts: 818 Threads: 10

Rci Starlite International

3083 Fairfield Avenue

Bridgeport, CT

Mapquest it.

I've not gone there to see (not in the market). I'd call to find out if they do have an "Open Door". I would think they would in the event of local repairs, but don't quote me.

Posted on 12 years ago
#9
Posts: 730 Threads: 61

Someone who already has the tools and experience reached out to me, so I'm going to go that route, even though it's a slightly longer drive than I specified.

Again, thanks for everyone's assistance. This forum rocks.

9x Slingerland New Rock 50N 12-13-16-22 with 170 (Super S-O-M) holder
• 1979 Oak
• 1978 Blakrome + 6.5x14 TDR SD
• 1977 Black Diamond Pearl + 5x14 SD (gold badge, Rapid strainer)
• 1976 Black Cordova
• 1975 Silver Sparkle + 5x14 SD (Rapid strainer)
• 1974 Chrome + 5x14 COB TDR and 6.5x14 COW Zoomatic SDs
• 1973 Purple Sparkle
• 1973 Phantom (clear)
• 1971 Walnut (gold badges) + 5x14 TDR SD
1x Rogers Powertone Londoner V 12-13-16-22
• 1972 Butcher Block + 1979 big R Dynasonic SD
Posted on 12 years ago
#10
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