Just back from the tech school! The parts are done and well-done I might add! Dale Roberts, the instructor and Neil Underwood, student did a terrific job for me piecing these parts together. I tried to convey to them what a key part they were playing in the restoration of this rare old kit. All in all, it was a treat meeting Dale and Neil (great guys, both of them,) getting to hang out in a welding shop and most of all, securing the last few parts I needed to complete the kit. I was really impressed with Neil. Bright guy, has his head screwed on straight, and he seems to know what he wants out of life and he's not afraid to work for it. Good kid, his parents have every right to feel proud.

Ok, as advertised, here are photos of the parts being repaired. Enjoy... I know I did. It was a fun morning for me and I'm so happy we were able to save these irreplaceable parts. see below

All I have to do now is to run them through the buffer. I'm going back to work on the 13" now that all the parts are assembled. Movin' & groovin'.

John

Holy invisible welds! Nice!

After I polish them up, the parts will meld right in with the others and unless somebody does a close-up inspection, nobody will be able to tell the difference.

I'm so happy we were able to save this hardware...

John

If anyone asks just lie. That kid did a great job. Hopefully he signs up here and we can make a vintage drum aficionado out of him.

Parts look "right". You don't want perfect on a kit with that much age and history.

btw...Check yo' email!

Excellent John! That is some great teamwork. Looks like a first class shop too. So nice of these guys to help out. Good people!! :)

I invited him. I also told him it might generate a side-job or two if people know about what he does. Good kid, he was pumping me for information about New York city and the music scene. I gave him the best feedback I could. I wish him well for the future. He was very helpful to me and he did the job with enthusiasm and care. I watched him work, he's very deliberate and focused when he's performing an operation at any of the work stations. Good work ethic.

Mick - Everything gets polished. What I meant was, it'll blend in just fine with the rest. I'll check my mail...

John

I knew that and expect nothing less from the Shuffle Shop!:D

I'm shooting to have the 13" finished by week-end/Sunday. Tomorrow I'll tack the new bottom skin then focus on the hoop and hardware which is 'mostly' taken care of by the tumbler. Thank the Major for inventing tumblers! :D

John

As always, excellent work. I am very impressed at the lengths and fine detail that you are taking to bring this kit back to its glory. More pictures!