If Paul at Diamond K didn't already have enough glowing recommendations, let me add another to showcase his work on my Colt drum refinishing project. Some of you may remember that earlier this year I posted pictures of two numbered Colt drums I located that had been rusting away in a garage for some forty odd years. My original dilemma was whether to refinish or not. They were pretty severely rusted, but luckily, not too severely pitted, so I thought I'd have one done to see how it turned out. Below are the before and after pictures of Colt drum # 3227. Also provided are comparison pictures, for texture and color, of the refinished drum next to an original finish Worcester drum from the period.
Enjoy the photos.
Drum # 3227 in condition found and after refinishing.
Another close-up view of face plate and rust.
Condition of inside surfaces after restoration.
Front view comparison of refinished drum and original finish Worcester drum.
Back view of refinished drum and original finish Worcester drum.
All thinsg considered I think it tremendously improved the look of the drum and I am going to have the second one done as well. By the way, Paul also restored the feed lips to proper specifications and removed a couple of minor dents. It was test fired it and it worked flawlessly. Not bad for sitting around in less than ideal conditions for eighty years or so.
