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Clamshell help needed

Posts: 38 Threads: 11

Radio King Aficionados/friends of the Clamshell . . . . I need your help!

I just picked up a 1958 Slingerland Radio King with Clamshell strainer in red sparkle wrap.

The arm is broken off (bought it that way). Also, there is a minor dent on the first ridge of the strainer by the pivot point/middle (for lack of better description) Appears to be cosmetic.

My first question is how easy or difficult is it to replace the arm? I know where to source the repro part.

Secondly, would you recommend replacing the whole strainer because of the slight dent. It doesn't bother me aesthetically, as I will be playing the drum, etc. Just wondering if the dent impairs, in any way the strainer function.

I very much would love to restore this drum to its former glory.

Thanks in advance.

Max

PS. Sorry if this has been covered before. I could not find it with the search function.

Posted on 15 years ago
#1
Posts: 200 Threads: 19

1) easy. See that screw on the outside of the strainer holding the old arm on? Remove that, put on the new arm, replace the screw. Taa daa!

2) If it doesn't effect the functionality, I'd say leave it. Honestly, I hate the clamshell strainer and it would pain me to have to buy another. I'd only do it if it didn't work or I was worried about making a museum piece drum.

Posted on 15 years ago
#2
Posts: 683 Threads: 96

I second Rob's response.

30's Radio King - 26, 13, 13, 16
49 - WFL Ray McKinley - 26, 13, 16
58 - Slingerland Duco
58 - Slingerland Krupa Deluxe
70 - Ludwig Champagne Sparkle - 20, 12, 14
70 - Ludwig Champagne Sparkle - 22 (need), 13, 16
And some others..
Posted on 15 years ago
#3
Posts: 38 Threads: 11

Thanks for the replies fellas!

Crikey . . . .the more I examine this drum, it definitely needs a whole lot of TLC!!! I'll post before and after pics, hopefully in the not too distant future.

Just to clarify, from the inside of the drum, there is a series of nuts & washers (3 nuts and 2 washers). Remove the nut/washer arrangement, then the long bolt/screw on the outside with spring. Install arm.

I'm guessin' there's not too many friends of the clamshell. I hope the strainer will have at least a workable functionality when restored.

I'm anticipating there to be very little movement in regards to the throw off mechanism.

Best,

Max

Posted on 15 years ago
#4
Posts: 1971 Threads: 249

Once you get it adjusted... it works great. A little fragile and a little counter intuitive but certainly very functional.

Lots of good info in past posts out here on The Super Stainer.

One of the most important tips that I have seen is that clamshells came with spacers between the wires and the bottom bars. Basically just a small washer but it keeps the wires off the reso just a tad and makes a big difference in keeping the drum live with the wires up out the beds just that little bit so it doesn't choke.

There is some truly amazing knowledge available on this site for this hardware... just keep asking those questions.

Congrats on picking up a GREAT drum!! Here's one I have on the bench right now..(look familiar) and a shot of an improvised spacer on another clamy RK I picked up and really love.

Not a Guru... just interested..
Posted on 15 years ago
#5
Posts: 38 Threads: 11

From Jim

Once you get it adjusted... it works great. A little fragile and a little counter intuitive but certainly very functional.One of the most important tips that I have seen is that clamshells came with spacers between the wires and the bottom bars. Basically just a small washer but it keeps the wires off the reso just a tad and makes a big difference in keeping the drum live with the wires up out the beds just that little bit so it doesn't choke.

Excellent info. Thank you Sir! Here's a link to that thread: http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=5258&highlight=super+strainer

One other concern regarding the tension screw & arm replacement. Viewing the "clamshell" parts page at Jp2 Creations, he states . . . ."FYI - You can not install this at home! You will need to send us your part, and let us install it for you!

Seems contradictory to the advice given above, or am I missing something???

Thanks,

Max

PS. That's :mad: MY drum on your bench, Jim!

Posted on 15 years ago
#6
Posts: 1971 Threads: 249

Hmmm.. I'll check JP2's page when I get home tonight.

I've had mine on and off and apart a few times... seems to be fine and very functional. But Mr. Petty sure knows his stuff so I am curious. I have never seen what a brand new one looked like on a drum.

Not a Guru... just interested..
Posted on 15 years ago
#7
Posts: 200 Threads: 19

I completely stripped my Radio King, disassembled the clamshell and put the new arm on it with no trouble at all. Maybe he knows something I don't, but it's worked fine ever since.

Posted on 15 years ago
#8
Posts: 1971 Threads: 249

Well I looked at the JP2 page but I couldn't figure out what part might require special tools... Maybe just a friendly offer to help.

I think you can do this one by yourself.

Not a Guru... just interested..
Posted on 15 years ago
#9
Posts: 38 Threads: 11

Thanks again fellas. Your good advice, and follow up is very appreciated!

I'll order the part . . . . .

Can't wait to play this RK!

Best,

Max

Posted on 15 years ago
#10
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