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Ludwig Supraphonic Shell Cleaning

Posts: 184 Threads: 36

Hi folks!

I just scored a 1966 Supra from Guitar Center for $170 and I'm in the process of cleaning it up. There is an average amount of pitting which is expected, but the drum itself is filthy. The hardware and all other parts are being given a Dawn bath as I type, what should I do for the drum shell?

Should I give the shell a Dawn bath? Rub it down with WD40? Chrome polish? What do you guys suggest I do to clean the shell up? Thanks!

Luke

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IN SEARCH OF:
  • 1964-1966 Rogers 9x13 rack tom in silver sparkle. Beavertail lugs, flat grey Cleveland tag interior
  • 1964-1966 Rogers 22 OR 24x14 bass drum in silver sparkle. Beavertail lugs, flat grey Cleveland tag interior
  • 1959 Rogers Holiday 5x14 snare drum in blue sparkle. Serial number #13382. Large double sided bread and butter lugs. Part of my kit that was split up before I purchased it. Bring the snare home!
Posted on 7 years ago
#1
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37

Clean the shell as you would a car bumper. Same products. Scrub it with Aluminum foil or plastic scrubbers. NO STEEL WOOL EVER !! Don`t forget to wax with liquid turtle wax.

It`s a drum,.....Hit It !!

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 7 years ago
#2
Posts: 6170 Threads: 255

On a shell like that, I usually rinse it with warm water and dawn in my hand or a soft wet paper towel. just be careful with the loose chrome coming off the the shell. It can scratch the shell when you are cleaning or polishing. Get it loose and gone first before proceeding. Also, check for a interior date ink stamp prior to nay of this. Make sure not to get it wet or wipe/erase it. Good luck!

Mike

Posted on 7 years ago
#3
Posts: 184 Threads: 36

From mlayton

On a shell like that, I usually rinse it with warm water and dawn in my hand or a soft wet paper towel. just be careful with the loose chrome coming off the the shell. It can scratch the shell when you are cleaning or polishing. Get it loose and gone first before proceeding. Also, check for a interior date ink stamp prior to nay of this. Make sure not to get it wet or wipe/erase it. Good luck!Mike

Hi Mike! Thanks for the suggestions. I ended up rinsing it off in warm water, drying it off, polishing with a layer of Mothers aluminum polish, then two layers of carnauba wax and the shell shines! I'll have to post some pictures tomorrow.

I avoided what I could of the ink date stamp inside, but a little bit of the polish wiped off the day and the year. I took a picture of the ink stamp before I cleaned it, which says May 4th, 1966, but it was REALLY faded - now only the "May" is there. That's a bit of a bummer. At least I have proof of what it was.

I'll have the drum back together soon, thanks for the help!

Luke

EDIT: the picture keeps uploading upside down, I can't fix it

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IN SEARCH OF:
  • 1964-1966 Rogers 9x13 rack tom in silver sparkle. Beavertail lugs, flat grey Cleveland tag interior
  • 1964-1966 Rogers 22 OR 24x14 bass drum in silver sparkle. Beavertail lugs, flat grey Cleveland tag interior
  • 1959 Rogers Holiday 5x14 snare drum in blue sparkle. Serial number #13382. Large double sided bread and butter lugs. Part of my kit that was split up before I purchased it. Bring the snare home!
Posted on 7 years ago
#4
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