Have you got the fill and drill aspect figured out ?

Ha. I don't think I have any part of this figured out yet.

I thought this might be a slightly more economical way of having a cool, unique vintage kit. But I just totaled up what I would spend buying hardware for bare shells...all these small parts add up!

Heads should fit easily onto shells with no wrap, won't be too loose or anything if that is the concern.

I might put modern hardware from Ludwig on vintage Ludwig shells, if it fits, but that's about it...:)

Mitch

A thought...There are a few really cool project kits in the FOR SALE section here. Most including all (or almost all) of the vintage hardware you'd need.

My first commandment of vintage drum restoration is "Thou Shalt Not Drill."

Also, if you're thinking of doing a "natural" finish, those rarely look good on vintage wood, IMO. The wood under those wraps and Ducos is usually paint grade, so the grain may be quite different from shell to shell. Also, see carter's thread about stripping, and how formerly painted shells may have blotchiness issues.

If I were going to attempt such a project, I'd just buy some new shells with rerings from http://www.aitwood.com. They sell them in mahogany and maple, and the wood will be stain grade.

Thanks for the replies and feedback y'all. I think a project of this kind is probably a little too much for my first drum resto and maybe a little misguided at that. I think I will just keep saving up for an old 60s set...

Welcome Kirke!

What is the advantage of new hardware? Yes, I know some of the old tom mounts and bass drum spurs are a little shaky, I get that, but I would think the lugs, hoops and floor tom legs work just fine and look great. And most of the vintage tom hanging hardware is good.

Obviously you came to the wrong place seeking advice on installing new hardware on vintage shells,lol.

I like your last statement, save up for an old 60's set.

Kinda like writing to the SPCA looking for advice on how to torture animals! :2Cents:

Well, I guess I should clarify and say that what I mean by 'modern' hardware is simply just NEW hardware.

I currently have a 60s MIJ stencil kit and it has a pretty good sound but the hardware is cheap and falling apart. My thought was to refinish some vintage shells and put all new, but vintage-style hardware on it for the reliability of playing gigs.

In peoples experience, is the hardware on a 60s kit reliable for gigging if the kit is in good shape and has been taken care of? I don't mind old style rail consolettes at all, as I like my tom very low. Bass drum spurs and floor tom legs seem to be an issue.

For example, I really like Ludwig Club Date kits, but the floor tom mounts with the spring look unreliable...