Only Admins can see this message.
Data Transition still in progress. Some functionality may be limited until the process is complete.
Processing Attachment, Gallery - 133.87056%

"New" Wrap

Loading...

I've been wanting to try this for a couple months...just been waiting for an inexpensive shell on which to experiment. Picked up this Ludwig Standard for 25 bucks to work on. My idea...use automotive vinyl wrap, the 3M product used on race cars and customs, to cover a drum shell. Anybody tried it before?

I ordered a 1 foot (by 60in wide) piece of Gloss Red Metallic from www.topvinylfilms.com (there are other vendors), cost me $20 for enough to do two 5" - 6" shells. This stuff is very easy to work with. It has what they call air release so there is no worry about trapped air bubbles. It doesn't really stick until firmly pressed down so you can move it around until you get it right. I cut the strip 5 1/2" wide for this 5" shell and carefully smoothed it on with their installation "tool". Used an X-acto knife to cut off the excess around edge and cut out the holes. Before/after pics below.

Now I'm going to start looking for lugs and hoops. I have a butt plate and throw-off on hand. I can't decide whether to use tub lugs, bow ties or imperials?? I'll post pics when I get it completed.

Anyway, check their website. There are lots of colors; carbon fiber, woods, colored chrome, color shifting...many possibilities. It won't cover a rough surface so you couldn't use it on a very pitted Supra without first removing the pits.

2 attachments
Gary G.
1963 Ludwig Gold Sparkle Hollywood Kit
Ludwig Collection: 10 Vintage Snare Drums, 4 Customized Vintage Snare Drums, 4 Vintage Foot Pedals, 1 Single Value Bugle
Posted on 11 years ago
#1
Posts: 5356 Threads: 87
Loading...

Wow that stuff is pretty cool. Nice job on the snare shell too! LOTS of colors and finishes. I like it thanks for posting.

Glenn.

Not a guru just havin fun with some old dusty drums.
Posted on 11 years ago
#2
Loading...

How does it hold up to heat?

I like Drums...
1963 Ludwig Downbeat Champagne Sparkle
1964 Leedy (Slingerland) Blue n Silver Duco
1964 Ludwig Club Date Sparkling Silver Pearl
1966 Ludwig Super Classic Sparkling Silver Pearl
1968 Gretsch round badge modern jazz orange stain
1972 Slingerland 85N Pop outfit Light Blue Pearl
1976 Ludwig Vistalite clear
1981 Gretsch SSB Gran Prix Rosewood
1987 Yamaha Turbo Tour Custom Mellow Yellow
1991 Pearl Export Ferrari Red
Posted on 11 years ago
#3
Loading...

Should do OK with heat...it's used on race cars (Indy, NHRA, etc.). It is now used instead of paint on custom cars. Made to be outdoors. When you look at this shell it looks like it just had a very smooth, excellent paint job. You can't tell that it is a vinyl cover. I think it's going to work well...time will tell.

Gary G.
1963 Ludwig Gold Sparkle Hollywood Kit
Ludwig Collection: 10 Vintage Snare Drums, 4 Customized Vintage Snare Drums, 4 Vintage Foot Pedals, 1 Single Value Bugle
Posted on 11 years ago
#4
Loading...

Here's the completed Standard with the automotive vinyl wrap. Simple to do and inexpensive...$20 for enough to do two snares. I got the nickel bow-ties off ebay. Most the other parts I had on-hand. Thought I'd try Evans heads this time. It sounds really good...I think it looks pretty good too. Think I'll keep it.

2 attachments
Gary G.
1963 Ludwig Gold Sparkle Hollywood Kit
Ludwig Collection: 10 Vintage Snare Drums, 4 Customized Vintage Snare Drums, 4 Vintage Foot Pedals, 1 Single Value Bugle
Posted on 11 years ago
#5
Posts: 5356 Threads: 87
Loading...

Great job. I like it~! Glad it's a keeper too. :)

Glenn.

Not a guru just havin fun with some old dusty drums.
Posted on 11 years ago
#6
Loading...

Great product.

How did you get the grommet so nice?

Looks untouched.

Nice job dude.

sa

BLAEMIRE DRUMS
Thanks to Mr. Jerry Jenkins
Posted on 11 years ago
#7
Loading...

From green glass drum

Great product.How did you get the grommet so nice?Looks untouched.Nice job dude.sa

Just used one of the cheap nut and tapered bolt grommet "tools" (the parts for which you can buy at Home Depot). Had to use my Dremel to shorten the gommet to work in the metal shell. The gommet came out really good on the inside as well.

Thanks.

Gary G.
1963 Ludwig Gold Sparkle Hollywood Kit
Ludwig Collection: 10 Vintage Snare Drums, 4 Customized Vintage Snare Drums, 4 Vintage Foot Pedals, 1 Single Value Bugle
Posted on 11 years ago
#8
Loading...

Does it scratch easily?

-No Guru... still learning more every day-
Posted on 11 years ago
#9
Loading...

From mchair303

Does it scratch easily?

It does not seem to. Certainly it could be gouged off with a shape object, but I believe it will be more resistant to incidental scratches than regular paint. In fact, it takes a new X-acto knife blade and considerable pressure to cut it...it's amazingly "hard". BTW, don't expect it to hide or fill in deep scratches or corrosion spots (e.g., a pitted Supra). It performs like a good paint job...if you want a smooth finish you need to start with a smooth surface.

Gary G.
1963 Ludwig Gold Sparkle Hollywood Kit
Ludwig Collection: 10 Vintage Snare Drums, 4 Customized Vintage Snare Drums, 4 Vintage Foot Pedals, 1 Single Value Bugle
Posted on 11 years ago
#10
  • Share
  • Report
Action Another action Something else here