[SIZE=3]Preface[/SIZE]
This post is not here to offend any members who quite rightly offer an exact replacement era-correct MIJ part(s) for a fee. These members will always have their rightful place helping dedicated owners get the exact part they require.
I have placed this post to support other members who are in a similar situation to me to consider this alternative.
[SIZE=3]Begin[/SIZE]
I see posts that are looking for replacement threaded tom/snare tension rods to suit metric diameter metric threaded lug inserts.
I have to point out here that this essay :D is only going to be suitable to those persons that are:
a) NOT UPSET by not having the exact part
b) are unable to source such parts easily and regularly in their native area
c) would prefer to have a workable gigging vintage MIJ as opposed to a museum piece to fuss over
d) don't want to worry about supply of replacements spares in the future
e) you are reasonably practical in that you can confidently disassemble a kit and rebuilt a kit.
I take NO responsibility for you not knowing what you are doing :)
[SIZE=3]Background:[/SIZE]
I have a Star 16" floor tom that due to being in New Zealand have found it impossible to reliably and economically source 3" replacement tension rods to suit.
This has meant that the whole kit has had to sit here waiting for the parts to surface locally through other forum members or online auctions.
This can be very time consuming and at times frustrating.
However on talking to a local drum repairer of more than 30 years about the issue he offered a solution which was so simple and minor I couldn't believe I had overlooked such a basic way of solving the problem.
[SIZE=3]So explain this problem [SIZE=3]already!!!![/SIZE][/SIZE]
MIJ Metric thread tension rods screw down into a MIJ Metric thread tension lug inserts aka "Swivel Nuts"
In my view, this will only be applicable to lugs that have spring tensioned tension inserts "Swivel Nuts"
If you don't follow what I am on about:
a) unscrew a lug off of a drum and look at the back.
b) Now take the tension rod and screw it down through the top as you would if the lug was attached to the drum and you were tightening the hoop over the drum head
c) You will see that the tension rod is screwing down into a matching threaded nut held in place by the spring.
[SIZE=3]So what is the solution?[/SIZE]
Permanently change out the tension rod and tension rod swivel nut to a matching off the shelf contemporary #12-24 threaded set supplied by many manufacturers such as Gibraltar, Cannon Percussion etc.
The change is minor visually and its very easy to source replacement parts in the future. You can complete individual repairs on a lug by lug basis.
Or you can do the "looking at the big picture" solution and replace the lot all at once.
[SIZE=3]Sourcing parts[/SIZE]
Here is a link to an online suppliers page for "Swivel nuts"
http://www.drumfactorydirect.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=6_297
Here is a link to an online suppliers page for "tension rods"
http://www.drumfactorydirect.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=6_59
[SIZE=3]Benefits[/SIZE]
So you can see that with an outlay of under $1 per swivel nut and sometimes under 50 cents per rod you can make a repair that you can continue to repair yourself as easily as reordering a replacement. If you cant manage to replace them all at once due to funds you can do one side now then say the other side later.
Let this approach work for you Mind Blowi
[SIZE=3]Alternatives[/SIZE]
Can you salvage these items from another more modern donor kit on the roadside or from a friend about to throw them out? cost = nothing?
A leather-man or small screwdriver set with a drum-key in your glove box is gold for figuring out whether a kit has the right lugs or not for transplanting at short notice.
[SIZE=3]Summing up[/SIZE]
So there it is.
An alternative that in my view is perhaps a better long term solution.
Its easy as pie if you are practical enough.
This needed to be posted somewhere for those persons that are stuck like I was.
