modifying a case to have a removable lid

[sdloveless]

A few years ago I purchased a 1240 with a fixed recording bell, which came with the original case. The case is semi-functional. It can be closed and latched, sort of, but much of the external hardware is in rough shape. Draw latches are bent, hinges are broken, at least one caster is trashed. The case itself isn't in bad shape, especially considering its age, circa 1939. I had originally intended to attempt an exterior restoration, including Tolex, and new hardware that looked similar to the old stuff. So far, I've done nothing with it. The case gets used for storage at home and that's it.

A recent thread about hanging horns with recording bells got me to thinking about maybe doing something a little different. Instead of hinges, place new, modern draw latches all the way around, so that the top half of the case could be completely removed. Then build an angled stand for the bottom half of the case so that the horn could be safely stored but easily accessible, giving me one less excuse for practice procrastination.

Anyone ever done anything like this? Thoughts, plaudits, brickbats? Thanks!

Here's the case in question. The interior is a little bit cleaner now. https://photos.app.goo.gl/mzFSYwsbz6rkvV4y5

[arpthark]

That's a really cool and rare original case for a fairly uncommon tuba. I wouldn't mess with it that much outside of your original plan for restoration, but that's just me.

[arpthark]

Actually, I re-read your post and I see what you mean now. When you were saying removable lid/top, I thought you meant something like one of those old trombone or trumpet cases that opened up at the bell-end. But really, you are saying you want one half of the clamshell to come apart completely instead of having hinges?

Do you feel like that would actually be less work than opening up a regular case? Thinking about it, you'd still have to unlatch a bunch (more) latches, and then find a place to set half of it while you take the tuba out of the other half.

Old cases for King bells are built like that, in that they come completely apart. My workspace and living space are both a bit too crowded for me to enjoy that setup very much.

I'd still vote on restoring the case and then just keeping your tuba on a stand or something, if you think you can manage to not bump it. I kept a bell-front Buescher on a stand for several months and managed to not knock it over. I think it was on one of those K&M display stands with the two arms that come straight up.

[sdloveless]

I'd still vote on restoring the case and then just keeping your tuba on a stand or something, if you think you can manage to not bump it. I kept a bell-front Buescher on a stand for several months and managed to not knock it over. I think it was on one of those K&M display stands with the two arms that come straight up.

A while back, probably right after I got it, I seem to recall conversing with someone about case hardware. It was probably Bloke, but it's been a few years. Anyway, he indicated he really liked the original hardware and that it worked very well when not beat to crap. I spent a little time back then trying to track down exact replacements, but couldn't find anything.

This wouldn't look original, but also wouldn't look completely out of place. https://www.mcmaster.com/products/draw- ... atches-10/ I was thinking I'd replace all of the existing latches, along with all hinges, with these. No other modifications aside from whatever holes needed to be drilled to accommodate new rivets.