1965 Ludwig Supraphonic in horrible shape cosmetically

[MetalMan1992]

I have a 1965 Ludwig Supraphonic and the chrome is peeling off badly. I have recently looked into getting it rechromed but it is very expensive (I was quoted 900GBP) and there are also issues with chroming aluminium (which is what Ludalloy mostly is)

I know it is a common issue but I am not sure what to do between doing nothing and throwing wayy to much cash at it.

Advice please

MM

[MetalMan1992]

IMG-20220221-WA0000.jpg

[slanddad]

I wonder if powder coating would alter the sound much?Or maybe just paint?

[Bish]

If it were me:

I would strip it down and remove what's left of the finish.

Then get it professionally painted with a paint scheme I'd have to come up with.

I've seen many with modded paint jobs that look fantastic.

IIRC, there's a guy that sells them on a gear sell sight and you can see some serious efforts into a unique drum.

You might as well give it a try.

[Bish]

Found a picture...

BlueSnare.jpg

[Bish]

There's no limit to what you could do with it.

Or

I can send you my address and you could send it to me and I'll have a go at it. lol

[Olimpass]

I’m guessing the imperial lugs look the same. You’d have to remove those and replace with lugs and tension rods that will work. The badge also and save it for re-installation.
Get the outside of shell sandblasted and spray paint yourself or get professionally painted or powder coated.
There are too many out there that you could most likely just buy another cheaper than getting it re-chromed.

[Kevaruka]

Most definitely saveable
I would strip it & get it media blasted. You can then have the shell mirror polished. This would look fantastic

[MDK]

I would get it stripped down and then have someone powder coat it.

[slinky]

what did you do with the drum? if money were no object i would've had it rechromed.