First round was using a rolling pin cut to width and hammering away. Once that roughed it out, the problem shifted to the curled under, rolled bottom edge. In order to get all of the pinches and blow outs fixed, I had to fab a little cave-tool.

Back to the bench and a lot of tapping, wanging and cursing - with results (finally) pictured here. Then it was on to the shells themselves....

I originally set out to restore both to what remained of the copper plated surface, but my 17 yr old daughter convinced me to go 1 Copper and 1 Nickel - starting with the copper. Interior first - where learning mistakes have a better chance of hiding....they had a horrible patina built up that looked more parts road grime than traditional patina.

A series of Brasso, paint strippers, acids, concoctions, .....the best result was the same citric acid paint remover used to do the initial paint strip.

Then I hit it with a 30 second hydrochloric acid dip - at 24% purity (toilet bowl cleaner) before spending about a trillion hours learning to strip,buff and polish on a buffing wheel.

Hardware all came out great, with plenty of shine along with plenty of wear. Put the original badge back on with a new spacer (with mykentuckydrum's tool).

The nickel version had the exact same work done, down to the copper, which I then took off little by little using Tripoli compound on a stitched cotton wheel - 1/2 inch at a time.

So then here's the final nickel finish and the end sum of the project. 1966 Ludwig 13" Copper and 14" Nickel Timbales (S/N 399501). All that remains is to replace the missing Keystone badge on the copper. They're fitted out with new heads, waxed up and on the hand polished original Ludwig stand, ready for the next job.

Thanks everyone, for the inspiration, encouragement and guidance. Cause sometimes even a blind squirrel like me gets a nut.

Beautiful job!

poregon,if you have the guidance of cuco on your side you just can`t go wrong.He is a master of timbale knowledge and has helped me with many questions unanswered on the forum by others.We are so lucky to have him as a member on this forum.Now as to your restoration of these wonderful drums...you have done a super job in saving these "dragged down the road" timbales and have brought them back to life and i thank you for that.I know cuco is very proud of the tremendous job that you have accomplished and not an easy one at that.Many congrats on a resto job very well done.Now just enjoy your work and there sound!

Wayne

That is nothing short of journeyman metal working! Wow, what a job you did on that banged up shell. Amazing. Both drums look excellent. You certainly earned bragging rights for that job.

John

I learned a ton, which is reward in itself (my first try at metal), but your post was what made it worth it. Thanks, John.

Now what is recommended for inaugural heads? Cool Dude

GREAT JOB Excited