Just to get things started here, I will offer a few fundamental ideas on restoration:

- If there are no extra holes, don't be the first one to create them. If you are a player and need to modify the drum for your own use that's your choice, but if the drum is a collector's item please don't drill extra holes. It really diminishes the value.

- A collector's item that has a mediocre looking original finish is going to be worth a lot more than the same drum with a bright shiny new wrap. Try to resist the urge, unless of course you want the drum to use as a player's piece and want it to match your kit. Just remember that rewrapping diminishes the value as a collector's item. Example: Gretsch round badge kits that are rewrapped sell for almost half of what they would if they were original. Rare original Rogers wood dynasonics sell for $1700 in common colors, up to over $4000 for rare colors, but, a rewrapped Rogers wood dyna is generally a $900 drum. These are just a couple of examples but it gives you an idea.

- Don't use steel wool (no matter how fine it is) on chrome hardware. Try something like Softscrub with a cloth and some elbow grease. Even very fine steel wool can leave marks if you aren't very careful.

- Bearing edges. This is a topic I hear about a lot. There are some folks who have excellent vintage drums and they then take them to have the edges recut. I hear people say that this makes the drum sound better. My take on it is that it makes the drum sound "different", (not necessarily better, but that's just my opinion). However, one thing is certain: Once you cut the edges you take away one of the characteristics of the drum that made it what it was in the first place. Part of what gives individuality to the sound of a Gretsch, Slingerland, Rogers, Ludwig drum, etc. is the way the bearing edges and snare beds were cut. The originality of the drum also drives the price. Once you change the edges or the snare bed, you change the drum, and it's no longer original. For some people who are players they are happy with the results and that's fine, but if the drum is a collector's piece you can kiss the value goodbye when you cut the edges and/or the snare bed. So, it's up to you, but just keep in mind that the vintage value goes way down when alterations get made.