so, here's some pics of the drum after cleaning and a closeup of the nicklplating.... quite worn.... still a nice drum though

You could add future problems to the finish by using steel wool..regardless of how fine it is.

I'm sure everyone will jump on me for this, but why not just get it replated? I know everyone values based on antique furniture but I look at drums more like vintage cars. If the kit is nice, well preserved, leave it alone, if it's in need of repair and resoration then give it a new life.

I just got a nice for its age Radio King snare today, but to put it with the bass drum I'm working on it's going to need a total body off resoration so to speak...so that's what I'm going to do. Get every single part replated, rewrap the drum and put it to work.

well. to be perfectly honest, i've been thinking about it as well... BUT... as much as i like drums when they are in good to perfect shape, i have to say, that i prefer the look of a USED drum that shows LIFE, than having the original nickle (or wrap or whatever) taken off.... my opinion.

wouldn't a replating de-value the drums as well?

I respect your opinion, and I think you are totally in the majority.

another thing: i wrote in an earlier post, that the wires won't work right.

i found the solution now, which surprised me a bit: the Puresound wires don't really fit through the holes in the bottom rim! they are a bit too wide and so "get stuck" in the holes and won't really reach the drum head...... i tried some original SS wires that i had lying around and they work perfect, just don't sound as good.

any body who experienced that before?! i guess carefully taking off some metal from the wires ends on each side should do the trick.