It's funny you should mention the lugs. I just started stripping down a Hoshino kit to start restoration and was a bit disappointed to find the lugs, like yours, have no springs just the "funky" inserts. Question is, do they work very well. It all seems pretty cheap quality even by MIJ standards (I'm an MIJ fan BTW)

Actually, this trend followed a lot of companies. Today, even Ludwig uses them, and that was from the early 80s. I had that Mahogany Cortex Ludwig kit from like 82 that had the insert and the little clips rather than springs. Cheaper, less chance for rattling, but they don't have the same amount of flexability or movement as the springs.

Thanks Jonni. I'll be interested to hear how they sound when finished. I figured they might be hard to tune. We'll see.

The only problem with the Funky inserts is if you tightin up the heads to much the insert will pull the top of the lug off i have seen many of these lugs do that...Mikey

Now there's a cheery thought Mikey. Still, being that my kit is 40yo and not particularly well looked after, I'll have some faith that the lugs will hold together just a bit longer.

BTW Mikey, the BD spur mounts and Speed King parts showed up. Perfect. Many thanks.

You know iam the vintage part guy when it comes to these vintage drums,BTW if you never need any of these lugs toms/bass i have them...Mikey

Thanks Mikey. I think I have everything I need for this kit but there are always more kits to be restored.