Hey for the bass drum do what I did on my red kit- replace the bottom bass drum t-rods with the same length regular Tuning screws. I got the idea from some kit I saw but it allows precise Tuning without the T hitting the ground. Since you have the right claws it'll look factory. I also sort the lug casings when I restore a kit, so the worst ones are on the bottom or opposite the badge, which typically faces out.
Way ahead of you on both counts. :)
I decided to bite the bullet and risk my wife's wrath by stripping some paint in the basement bathroom (exhaust fan). I managed to get almost everything off the shells in 2.5 hours and the smell was minimal. Only problem is that room is too small to do the bass drum in. haha
But okay guys, seriously. I cannot see a single reason why a really dark stain color should not work on these shells if I give them one final acetone wash and a light sanding. They're all the same tone/color, they all have decent grain and minimal scratching, and there are no patches, bumps, or weird looking bits - at all. The seams are straight and tight. My only problem area may be the residue of 2 glue strips on either side of the seam. The stain might not take to those spots. But the seams are at the back of the drum and I think it's definitely worth a try.
The first photo shows the shells after my 2.5 hours tonight. The second I only included to show off another project I picked up... a 16x24" Star (Tama) cocktail drum. Very nice luan shell, Slingy copy hardware, interior snare that works like a muffler, plus an actual muffler, cymbal arm, couple of extra floor tom style mounts for accessories or another drum. This one might be for sale to help fund the Ludwig kit, so if you know someone who might love a Star cocktail kit, pass it along!
