Working on a new "Facelift" and gouge repairs on my JCR's

[pcastag]

Send Cali a bill for all the work u put in.
PC

[b0ng0]

LOL yea bro, take it back to cali & sell it to him....tell him its "vintage"

[salcero1]

I would but I don't even mention that name anymore. Which brings me to the UPDATE: The project is completed but may need some minor adjustments on the center block to shim the heads apart a little further so they won't touch. I will post another reply thread just to show the visual progression of the shells. As follows:
1. First photo is the drums from JCR right out the box. You can notice how shody the finish is and the alignment of the center block is crooked.
2. An underside view to show the many repairs done to these shells for lack of a better word an abortion.
3. The shells repaired to the best of my ability. Gouges filled and cracks mended. Followed by an overall sanding and sawdust residue cleanup.
4. After 1 application of the stain blend I described earlier. Starting to show signs of new life.
5. The Macho shell after 2 coats of stain and 3 coats of polyurethane semi-glosss finish.

The next thread will continue the progression visually. Stay tuned.

[salcero1]

Update: Continuing the progression;
6. The Hembra completed (same coatings and finishes as the Macho)
7. The macho with its drum-head and hardware. If you look closely you will notice a thin hairline crack where the daylight hits the shell. Not wide enough to merit a repair (more like a deep scratch) I didn't want to darken the shells any more so I guess I can live with this sight. JCR had this area in particular covered with tons of varnish.
8. The completed shells and their respective drum-heads and hardware attached.
9. An underside view of the set. Most of the flaws were hidden with the darker stain. The contrast makes the chrome pop out at you.
10. Another & final view of my completed project.

This project was a labor of love that I have for the instrument. This was my first attempt ever at this endeavor & I want to thank everyone from the forum who gave their expertise, suggestions and techniques (In which I deemed as sort of a group project) in the revival of this little warrior. I haven't decided if it will remain in my permanent inventory but I will play the hell out of it and enjoy the many hours of pleasure it will give me. Take care guys you're the best! Con much Aché & Peace-Jorge.

[MedinaNYC]

que bueno, great job hermano, they look fantastic, como suena?

[salcero1]

Muchas Gracias Medina! They always had an old school sound. Bien seco. Nice projection on both the Macho and the Hembra. I just hoped that the man was a bit more honest and forthcoming to remedy the outcome of the sale. But I've moved on he's history and I have learned greatly from the experience.Peace-Jorge.

[onile]

¡Vaya Papa! Lo cumpliste, que chevere y del color que intentaste lo lograste!

They look beautiful mi Pana! Great job.....

[b0ng0]

very nice, congrats..

[salcero1]

Buenas Noches Onlie,
Your restoration was my inspiration. I ran into a bit of a staining problem with the Hembra. But fixed it to the best of my abiltity. This final phase (today) took me from 7AM to about 9PM (The staining and finishing parts) I took my time in the sanding phase because of the overall rough texture of the shells. They needed alot of elbow grease sanding but I did each grit of sandpaper one day at a time (about 3 hours a day/4 diffrent grits-4 days total sanding). Many manhours but the end result was good.Thank you once again for all the tips you had provided me with. Peace Jorge.

[caballoballo]

Salcero tremendo trabajo COÑO ! we spoke a long time ago so what else did you buy ?

[Omelenko1]

Here are photos of my JCR, great sounding bongo'. Big size, macho 7" hembra 8 7/8". It's got that Cuban look, Cuban bottoms with rivets, very strong constuction. At one point it belonged to Juancho here in the forum. Got it from Mario, is a very early JCR from the late 70's according to Cali. In prestine condition. Caribbean Caoba.

Dario

[Anonimo]

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