Jim when re installing the badges + grommets use the correct tool not one of those useless DIY tools you'll be very glad too have spent the money to get a professional finished product.

Those drums will have absolutely no collector value after you refinish them. If there is enough collar left on the original grommets, just glue them back in when you're up to that step. Having an accurate collar on the back of a grommet is not going to do anything to increase the value of an altered player kit.

Relax, you're doing great. Save your money and your time, use the original grommets. It'll look just fine and you won't need any 'special tools.' You'll be the only one who knows there are no back-flanges on the grommets.

God forbid no back-flanges... LOL

John

Jim,You can Most certainly go that route It will make the special tool most happy for you too not take my advice ! But if you are planning on future restro jobs the grommet tool is a good investment.

Thanks for the grommet advice. I'm actually interested in making a grommet installation tool. The hardware store version looks like it would work, but may only put a flange on the grommet. It won't roll the edge over or flatten it like the original. I would ideally like to replicate the original look, with the grommet flattened on the inside. I bought several grommets, awaiting delivery now. There are several ideas rolling around in my head that can be made on my small metal lathe... pictures to follow.

They will certainly be worth more than I have in them. Plus, I will USE them in my Motown/Funk band. We were just asked to do a weekend gig (Friday & Saturday night) about 4 hours away. If it's done in time, I'll take this kit with me later this month.

Thanks!

Jim

Jim I have one like this one. mine did not come from this seller, mine was purchased from old kentucky drum off of ebay, it will make your job look factory finished. I have used mine hundreds of time without one hiccup. http://www.ebay.com/itm/EZ-DRUM-BADGE-INSTALLATION-GROMMET-COMPRESSION-TOOL-/300960505152?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4612a4dd40

this is a great thread

The project continues with the purchase of 2 snares. One of them will be overhauled in black lacquer. This 10x14 marcher is so dry that the bottom re-ring fell right out! Undecided, but I may cut this down to 5", leaving the top re-ring in place.

Here's the other one. It has 2 extra holes for the MIJ strainer. Paint is badly flaking. Some of it fell off during my unboxing tonight. The nickel lugs and hoops are the best I have ever seen. I may strip this clean, fill the holes and paint it black. It's 5". I have at least one nickel strainer, but not as nice as this nickel.

The vintage case is very nice.

Jim

What I meant was... save your money! Buying a $79. grommet tool to install "grommets with flanges" on a 'player kit' will not increase the kits value. A $1.99 grommet tool will do the job. Better yet, save the $1.99 and use the original grommets!

I refurb orphan drum kits all the time. Been saving kits for 25 years, or better. I love em. You can play them anywhere, gig them, whatever you want, worry free. 'Orphans' represent great sounding vintage drums that you don't have to worry about... it just doesn't get much better than that.

Enjoy doing the project and then enjoy the drums when they're done. I'm in the middle of bringing back a Clubbie kit myself. I got forum brother, JCCabinets (Jeff) to veneer the shells for me. I'm looking forward to seeing them all done as I'm sure you are for yours.

Smooth sailing...

John