Hi all,
I recently purchased a 1966 Ludwig Jazz Festival. I took the original heads off and it was like opening a crypt. I don't think anyone ever took the heads off or cleaned this thing. The first thing I noticed was the the lug screws were all corroded and there was some rusting. So, I took them off and soaked them in vinegar to remove the rust and corrosion. I left them in all night. The next morning I scrubbed them down with a toothbrush and sometimes with my thumbnail (nothing more abrasive) and all the corrosion and rust came right off. What I was left with were all the washers on the screws look like they're brass or copper (they look like pennies). I was surprised to see this as I always though these were galvanized steel or something.
A) Anyone know about these screws? Is it possible they're brass but were painted silver by Ludwig?
B) Would you consider those lug screws now ruined? Will having them raw brass affect resale value? Should I attempt to replace them even though they are the original screws?
Thanks for any help/answers. This site is awesome.
Jim