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Gretsch 70's Factory Wrap Glue - Sand or Solvent?

Posts: 358 Threads: 90

I've started an extensive project on a 7 piece '79/early 80's Gretsch kit that will basically entail plugging a lot of holes and replacing the useless ball-and-socket mounts with 9020's. I took the wrap off them a few days ago, which was remarkably easy. The glue was brittle and came right off without taking any wood splinters with it.

Now I'm wondering for those of you who have rewrapped Gretsch kits: did you sand or use solvents to get the factory glue residue off the shells?

I'm including some pics of the project as bait!

60's Gretsch Progressive Jazz Green Sparkle
'61 Slingerland Bop Kit Sea Green Rewrap
Round Badge Bop Kit Clone Red Sparkle
'67 Pearl President 13/16/22 Red Oyster Pearl
Posted on 9 years ago
#1
Posts: 58 Threads: 1

While I can't speak specifically to Gretsch drums I have had a bit of a time getting glue of many drums.

Check out this thread for a good bit of wisdom. http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=48797

I have to de-glue my Rogers set that I'm re-doing and have to go get one of those sander cleaner blocks.



Jazz snob in training

No relation the other KL from PA
Posted on 9 years ago
#2
Posts: 2023 Threads: 47

From infiniteninjas

I've started an extensive project on a 7 piece '79/early 80's Gretsch kit that will basically entail plugging a lot of holes and replacing the useless ball-and-socket mounts with 9020's. I took the wrap off them a few days ago, which was remarkably easy. The glue was brittle and came right off without taking any wood splinters with it. Now I'm wondering for those of you who have rewrapped Gretsch kits: did you sand or use solvents to get the factory glue residue off the shells? I'm including some pics of the project as bait!

I read where the older shells used hide glue, which comes off with hot water. For these ones you have, I'd try some acetone first to see if it softens the glue, then use the sander cleaning block KL mentioned to scrub it off.

The blocks look like this [pic]

Mitch

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Posted on 9 years ago
#3
Posts: 5356 Threads: 87

Nice job on the rectangle patch! That looked like fun to fix. This will be a nice kit when your finshed.

Glenn.

Not a guru just havin fun with some old dusty drums.
Posted on 9 years ago
#4
Posts: 410 Threads: 60

I removed glue from those exact era drums with solvent (lacquer thinner) and yes the nitron wrap pealed right off in one piece. From the pictures shown there it looks like everything is going smooth . Good luck and please keep us posted.

I see a beautiful set of gretsch drums coming back to life.

1966 ludwig club date champagne sparkle 20-12-14
1979 gretsch black nitron 20-12-13-16
1972 Rogers blue onyx 20-12-13-16
2012 gretsch renown 57 18-12-14
1980's gretsch Ice blue 22-12-13-16
1980's gretsch Ice blue 18-10-14
1972 slingerland silver sparkle 22-12-13-14-16
Posted on 9 years ago
#5
Posts: 410 Threads: 60

Did u decide on a new wrap yet ?

1966 ludwig club date champagne sparkle 20-12-14
1979 gretsch black nitron 20-12-13-16
1972 Rogers blue onyx 20-12-13-16
2012 gretsch renown 57 18-12-14
1980's gretsch Ice blue 22-12-13-16
1980's gretsch Ice blue 18-10-14
1972 slingerland silver sparkle 22-12-13-14-16
Posted on 9 years ago
#6
Posts: 1525 Threads: 127

Love this type project. Interested in following your progress. Picspicspics.

Posted on 9 years ago
#7
Posts: 358 Threads: 90

From FFR428

Nice job on the rectangle patch! That looked like fun to fix. This will be a nice kit when your finshed.

Thanks! I ended up sanding, which wasn't that hard but did make my arm sore.

I've done patches like this for several kits in the past but this one was the most extensive. Actually the last one I did was a DW robotic kit from EMP museum in Seattle. The kit was punched full of holes everywhere for pneumatic triggers and electronics. It ended up looking pretty great in the end.

These holes in the Gretsch were much larger though, especially the one in the kick drum. For smaller holes I was using wood filler around rough cut wood pieces. For these big holes I decided to use a super tough Bond-O type product. It's been great, very easy to shape and sand, and you can run your finger over the shell and barely tell where the patches are by feel.

Attached are a couple pics of the DW project, before and after. Not vintage, hence I didn't post it here when I did it, but pretty interesting. Complete process pics viewable at http://imgur.com/a/mjHN5

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60's Gretsch Progressive Jazz Green Sparkle
'61 Slingerland Bop Kit Sea Green Rewrap
Round Badge Bop Kit Clone Red Sparkle
'67 Pearl President 13/16/22 Red Oyster Pearl
Posted on 9 years ago
#8
Posts: 410 Threads: 60

Beautiful job ! where did u get that turquise wrap ?

1966 ludwig club date champagne sparkle 20-12-14
1979 gretsch black nitron 20-12-13-16
1972 Rogers blue onyx 20-12-13-16
2012 gretsch renown 57 18-12-14
1980's gretsch Ice blue 22-12-13-16
1980's gretsch Ice blue 18-10-14
1972 slingerland silver sparkle 22-12-13-14-16
Posted on 9 years ago
#9
Posts: 1537 Threads: 117

Great job!! Very nice.

Creighton

Nothing special here but I like them.
Posted on 9 years ago
#10
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