To RESTORE or CUSTOMIZE

[HeadbandGuy]

Hi All,
I have a Pearl Export Kit that I Believe is form the late 80's.
I have had this since i was a kid and it has seen better days.
I am wondering if I should Restore it in the same colour or completely customize it?
either way, it will have to be totally re-wrapped as the wrapping has warped.

Kit still sounds great, as i have been picked up in two bands in the last year, so it is getting used again.
and i have been told it sounds great by other musicians too. just looks relic-ed af.

I can upload more images of the drums individually when i get home.
would love to hear your thoughts on what to do. Restore or Customize.

[Bodgit]

If you're going to re-wrap it, why not go custom and put on something a little more interesting and unique? May be put on some new heads as well

[Feenix]

Go all out with mirror chrome or maybe some Guy Fieri-inspired flames.

[HeadbandGuy]

If you're going to re-wrap it, why not go custom and put on something a little more interesting and unique? May be put on some new heads as well

So there is no value to be had in keeping original colour?
I wasnt shure. Totally go for something unique and match my personality, either bright neon or something out there or even leopard or tiger.
definately need to do new heads.

[HeadbandGuy]

Here are some images of my kit in its current state.
as can be seen, rust, yellowing, bubbling and and cracking. Or relic-ed as some would say.
No warping that I know in the wood. still sound fantastic.
Should I re-wrap and restore in #33 Pearl white (or close to) and keep correct as much as possible or Customize it to Purple or pink or neon or something 80's?

[Bodgit]

I'd wrap it to match your thumb nail!!

Personally I wouldn't spend much on that kit as its not worth much, tidy it up and wrap it keeping costs low and have some fun with it.

Play it like you stole it.

[Kevaruka]

Keep it "As is" Nice patina

[richie rich]

if you just cleaned it up and put new heads on it and used some floor LEDS lights it would really come alive more than spending $$$ on wrap. Just washing all the hardware and getting the rust off and using automotive cleaner wax on the white wrap and then putting them back in service. The wrap does not look faded or washed out

Brillo and some warm water and lots of scrubbing will clean up those hoops quite a bit, Somewhere else in this forum is how to clean the tension rods

good luck either way but my vote is a good clean up

[quicksticks]

So there is no value to be had in keeping original colour?
I wasnt shure. Totally go for something unique and match my personality, either bright neon or something out there or even leopard or tiger.
definately need to do new heads.

You do understand that rewrapping will cost more than the drums are worth. I don’t know about Australia, but here in the states you’d be lucky to get $100 for that kit in that condition. I wouldn’t worry about the drums losing value if you change the color.

[HeadbandGuy]

You do understand that rewrapping will cost more than the drums are worth. I don’t know about Australia, but here in the states you’d be lucky to get $100 for that kit in that condition. I wouldn’t worry about the drums losing value if you change the color.

I Appreciate that one.
I didn't think they were worth the time to re-wrap and sell. Thanks for the confirmation,
To me, they are worth the time and money to re-wrap as this was my first "real" kit, and have had for almost 20years. I still remember going to the guy'h house to get them. my folks forked out $1100 or $1400 back in the day.
change the colour it is.

[HeadbandGuy]

if you just cleaned it up and put new heads on it and used some floor LEDS lights it would really come alive more than spending $$$ on wrap. Just washing all the hardware and getting the rust off and using automotive cleaner wax on the white wrap and then putting them back in service. The wrap does not look faded or washed out

Brillo and some warm water and lots of scrubbing will clean up those hoops quite a bit, Somewhere else in this forum is how to clean the tension rods

good luck either way but my vote is a good clean up

It does actually come alive when under lights as i have been gigging with it for the past 6 months.
i dont hate the white, thats for-shure.
There is quite a few cracks in the wrap, and it saddens me. when i was a kid, i tried to kill some of the rust, but i think i ended up scratching the chrome on the rings.

[HeadbandGuy]

I'd wrap it to match your thumb nail!!

Personally I wouldn't spend much on that kit as its not worth much, tidy it up and wrap it keeping costs low and have some fun with it.

Play it like you stole it.

HAHAHA. my guitars are the same as my nails...


but the thought has crossed my mind so many times...

[HeadbandGuy]

So, i am thinking on seeing if i can find a satin plum wrap.
like the charvel guitars release.



should i consider black lugs and rims, along with black hardware as well?

[Thrush]

That Charvel Strat is beautiful. Black on purple works so well.

Also, that second bass drum beater patch ftw.

[DrumPlayerFTW]

To clean rust off your chrome you can do two things

To get rust off the chrome parts
Step one - Strip all your hardware off the shells.. Lugs,tension Rods,hoops
Step two - Buy Steel wool either 00 or 0000 do not go any finer or corase than that.
Step three - Polish am buff chrome with steel wool lightly scrubbing it do not go crazy

For Derusting Tension Rods
1. Pour a bowl of Coke Cola an soak Tension Rods least 24 hr then wipe off with steel wool
2. Also Remember to use machine oil to re-grease the tension rods after wiping off coke cola.

I did this trick with my 19 year old Fourm Series Kit an rewarpped in a beautiful red sparkle Delmar wrap and it looks brand new

Good luck with your restore hope to see it when it’s done