Lot's of places can re plate chrome over aluminum .

It's just a matter how much you want to spend.

Could be cheaper to just buy a newer used Supra in better shape.

Or you can have a plating company just remove the chrome and polish the aluminum.

Yes, a strip and replate. Just be sure to get your badge off before. I made the mistake once of not taking off the badge, and we agreed that the plater would do that. They actually plated right over it. Looked like poo.

I dont want to rechrome, just strip the chrome off and polish the aluminium.

Any idea about what it does to the value of the drum?

Are ludalloy snares from 63 with COB hoops actually worth more than the later ones?

I read a lot about the methods of chrome removal but which are the cheapest and most effective ways (to just strip the chrome)?

Btw sry for posting in vintage drums when writing about repair. Didnt realize there were different sections:/

Im a newbie in this forum:)))

Nielda - DO NOT SANDBLAST THE SHELL!

The right way to do it is to have the shell stripped by a plating company and then tell them you want the aluminum polished to a high gloss. I did the same thing years ago and the drum came out spectacular. The good thing about polishing the aluminum is, it's just as shiny as chrome and it will never pit again. BTW, I got $300 for mine when I sold it some years back.

[IMG]http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n632/PurdieShuffle/suprastrip.jpg[/IMG]

Go for it, just let professionals handle the stripping and polishing.

John

Apparently stripping chrome is not that difficult because it is of course removed with electric current. However chroming over gets costly, but you will not be doing that part.

I play drums, but have found with my guitars that needed work everyone says "keep it original" "don't do that" etc. But if restored authentically there are those who will definitely appreciate the work that was done.

Another alternative would be to try and emulate the new Ludwig copperphonic patina, which looks stressed and that'll resemble a natural, moisture affected metal. I imagine all you'd have to do would be to remove all the chrome, and possibly wet sand the shell with a soft sanding sponge. I think it would look very cool, unique and you'd probably end up with a one of a kind aluminum supraphonic. Good luck with whatever you choose to do, and please share the result with us !

Rob

Thanks for the tips! I will post a pic as soon as I get the job done:)

John, excuse me, did you made any coated after polishing?

I mean, some very thin lacquer painting or carnauba wax or something?

I heard once that polished aluminum could be very "sensitive" to fingerprints etc etc

Thanks for your enlightment buddy !

BTW... super Cool1 snare you did!!

Regards

Yes, it had a hard, clear overcoat. The guys at the plating company told me I needed it, so I had them add the cost of the coating when I paid for the job. The whole thing cost me $150. I thought it was a small price to pay for the result I got. I was very happy with how it turned out. BTW, the tube lugs were chrome over brass, they added some weight to the drum, but it sounded great. Dry as the desert. That keystone shell was an unholy mess of pitting when I got it.

John