How do I best clean a bass drum pedal plate?

Posts: 485 Threads: 112

Hi guys. I'm newer to the forum as this is only my second post. I've been playing drums for 35 years and have just recently been bitten by the restoration bug. I've looked at quite a few pages for a direct answer and can't seem to find one. What do you guys use to clean pedals--as in the part that your foot rests on? It's almost commical that I've tried some cleaners I've used on other drum parts as recommended on this forum and find that after the pedal dries, it looks no different? Specifically, I have a beater Gretsch pedal and a Premier trilok type pedal. They both seem to be made of some type of aluminum or aluminum alloy. I do not have easy access to any high speed buffing equipment. It's all hand work for now. If I've missed an obvious post, I thank you ahead of time for your patience. Dean

Posted on 11 years ago

vintagemore2000

Member

Joined 14 years ago

Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

Simichrome polish and good ole elbow grease. will shine it up quite a bit. http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=simichrome+polish&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=4385766105&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=s&hvrand=9469441541895954620&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_bmkh9fxxy_b

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!

Posted on 11 years ago

longjohn

Member

Joined 13 years ago

Posts: 3467 Threads: 116

Yes, Simichrome or similar to polish it.. I use one called "Shine" made by Dursol in Germany.. It is particularly good on Alloy.

First soak it in some warm water with dishwashing liquid, then give it a scrub with a nylon brush to remove the Gunk.. (you know... the dog turds and chewing gum)..

Cheers

'77 Slingerland 51N,Super Rock 24,18,14,13.. COW 8,10 Concert toms
'69 Slingerland Hollywood Ace
'75 Rogers Dynasonic 6.5 x 14, 10 lug COB
'77-78 Slingerland 6.5 x 14, 10 lug COB
'78-79 Slingerland 5 1/4 x14 8 lug COB
'79 Biman 5 1/4, Acrolite
'82 Slingerland 5 1/4 x 14. Festival COS
'84 Tama MasterCraft Superstar 6.5 x 14, 10 lug Rosewood
'98 Slingerland (Music YO) 6" 10 Lug Maple.. NOS
Zildjian, Sabian , UFIP & Paiste mix.

Posted on 11 years ago

calfskin

Member

Joined 14 years ago

Posts: 1570 Threads: 66

an old tooth brush( stiffer the better) is a good tool to find all the grime in the fissures and corners and similarily valuable for a polishing as well. nailbrushes or showbrushes are also good. some of those pedals don't come up too shiney ,though .

Posted on 11 years ago

bonzo119

Member

Joined 14 years ago

Posts: 71 Threads: 13

Good timing with the question, I just stripped a speed king down and was about to start the cleaning process..

Longjohn I'll look out for some 'shine', as your in the same neck of the woods as I.

Anybody ever used a Dremel with the correct attachments to do this job?

Happy Drumming
Tony

Posted on 11 years ago

longjohn

Member

Joined 13 years ago

Posts: 3467 Threads: 116

I have tried the Dremel.. leaves circular marks...Had to then polish them out by hand.

The Shine works great but you won't buy it in Sydney for under 20 bucks for a small tube.. best bought on the web... Autosol is also good and this you will find at Supercheap Auto.

Cheers