Case Restoration?

[Grey]

I could have sworn someone else had made a thread on this previously but I couldn't find it. If someone has a link i'd appretiate it, I realise i've been making a number of threads lately with resto questions and don't want to keep clogging things up if we've had this topic before.

Well, I have an origional 1980's Rickebacker case that I would love to put back into shape. (as much as I can) The interior is near flawless but the exterior has not fared nearly as well, but that's to be expected.

So! Lets run down the list. Any and all help is, as always, appretiated. I will try to get some detailed pictures later but for now here's what i'm looking at.

-All exterior metal parts (brackets, clasps) are moderatly to severely rusted. What can be done about this?
-Handle brackets are wobbly and loose.
-Alot of the material covering the exterior is beatup/torn
-The little tab that opens the interior compartment is missing. I think it's supposed to be a leather tab ontop of the lid which helps you pull it up, I can see the rivet but the tab is gone.

[Grey]

I've been thinking about this a bit more. I don't suppose theres a source for buying a replacement latch and sliding-keyhole lock set? If I could replace those then I could have a set of keys for the case.

[libratune]

Look under "Cheney latch" on ebay. There's a bunch of those sets for sale and they are appropriate for Rick wooden (tolex-covered) cases. Here's an example: http://cgi.ebay.com/Cheney-Locking-Latc ... 3cadfdd092

They are not easy to replace -- you need a rivet-press device to crimp in the new rivets. But it can be done, perhaps best by a local luggage repair shop.

[Grey]

Look under "Cheney latch" on ebay. There's a bunch of those sets for sale and they are appropriate for Rick wooden (tolex-covered) cases. Here's an example: http://cgi.ebay.com/Cheney-Locking-Latc ... 3cadfdd092

They are not easy to replace -- you need a rivet-press device to crimp in the new rivets. But it can be done, perhaps best by a local luggage repair shop.

I just found that a minute ago, haha. Saw the logo stamped on the underside of the latch on my case. I'd also need the latch in the middle though, if i'm going to replace parts then I want to replace everything to have it matching. Either all new or all old, mix and match will just be weird.

I suppose those rivets are used on all the exterior metal parts? They're loose on my handle brackets. I guess this is something I can't replace myself.

[ken_j]

I have obtained case hardware directly from RIC in the past. I believe Paul has recommended Ohio Travel Bag in the past. http://www.ohiotravelbag.com/

[Grey]

I have obtained case hardware directly from RIC in the past. I believe Paul has recommended Ohio Travel Bag in the past. http://www.ohiotravelbag.com/

Interesting. What parts did you order?

It seems like they outsourced the latches but what about the metal edge protectors and the handle brackets? Were those made in-house?

[ken_j]

I have obtained case hardware directly from RIC in the past. I believe Paul has recommended Ohio Travel Bag in the past. http://www.ohiotravelbag.com/

Interesting. What parts did you order?

It seems like they outsourced the latches but what about the metal edge protectors and the handle brackets? Were those made in-house?

I only ordered latches and directly from RIC, through my local dealer. This was a number of years ago. RIC was very nice about it I received the items in less than two weeks at "no charge"! This was for a black Tolex case for my used '91 4001V63. I haven't used Ohio Travel Bag but Paul has mentioned them in the past.

[Grey]

Hm. I don't suppose theres anyway to DIY those pop rivets?

Also, any help with the leather tab on the inner compartment would be a big help. I found a picture of my same case showing what its supposed to look like, I imagine its the same for the rest.