Hi everyone - I've got a 1965 Ludwig Club Date kit that I've had since I was a kid. My parents got it for me in ~1990, but I only just figured out its date from the serial number. It's green sparkle, which I really didn't like when I was younger; and must admit I'm still not a huge fan of. In high school I painted the shells dark blue (I think with Rustoleum), but didn't do a great job. I want to put some real work into it to give it better finish and clean up the hardware etc. I've done a bit of searching, but thought it would be helpful to see if anyone might have some advice in a few areas:

Refinishing: It seems that trying to remove the original wrap is a bad idea (difficult/dangerous). I haven't found new wraps that I really like so I've been thinking of repainting, but doing it really well this time and with a nice finish. Is this a bad idea? Are new wraps a better way to go or can I get a nice result with paint? Also, if power sanding, is there any concern about accidentally getting the original wraps too hot?

Tom Mount: The original mount hardware is pretty worn and slips a lot, and the plastic tightener on the tom has broken in half so I have to just use pliers. Is there any way to get original or replica hardware? Or I imagine that I could find new hardware, drill new holes, and potentially plug old ones?

Hardware: Any general tips/products for cleaning the old metal? Anything specific to the alloys used by Ludwid in the 1960s?

Also I'm in the Boston area in case there are any recommendations for stores. I've never been to the Drum Center in Portsmouth - don't know if that would be helpful.

Thanks and happy new year!

-Alden