Burned Sierra - Pictures

DroopyPawn · Post by **DroopyPawn** » 15 Nov 2003 2:14 pm

http://16tracks.com/firesierra/

To see more pictures, click the link above.

I'm interested in what parts you think I need to replace on this guitar. And if anyone has any extra parts they would like to sell (or donate), Here's a good place to send them.

Looks like I'm going to need cross shafts and springs. I imagine I can use just about any little bolts and nuts as long as they're the right size.

Any other suggestions?

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[This message was edited by DroopyPawn on 15 November 2003 at 02:17 PM.]

Brian Edwards · Post by **Brian Edwards** » 15 Nov 2003 2:34 pm

I'm wondering what wonderful Mike Cass would suggest.

Recluse · Post by **Recluse** » 15 Nov 2003 2:51 pm

I notice that the plastic pad did not melt so I don't think the springs were ruined by the heat. Were it mine I would dissassemble everything, clean everything, then decide what parts were needed. A little buffing will go a long way. You can get boxes of cap screws at someplace like McMaster-Carr for about $7 per 100. Buying a bench grinder & some buffing wheels will probably save the cost of the grinder in parts that are salvaged. If you take enough pictures and notes I bet you can get it back together again.
Steve Bailey

Jim Smith · Post by **Jim Smith** » 15 Nov 2003 3:54 pm

That looks just like my Dekley did after going through a "suspicious" club fire in late 1980. The fire was actually at the other end of the building, but the heat was so great that microphone holders on stage melted, keyboards were warped beyond repair, and amp grill cloths were burned or singed.

The good news is that my steel survived with no parts replaced!

I took it to a self service car wash, laid it on a rubber mat and washed it thoroughly with engine degreaser and tire cleaner. I wiped it down as good as I could, then took it to a garage and blew it out real good with compressed air. I took it home and cleaned off the stubborn soot with rubbing compound and Windex, re-lubricated all moving parts, and was back playing it again within a couple weeks.

No parts were disassembled or replaced and the only sign of the fire that remains is that the chrome legs and knee levers still show some yellow from getting hot. Hopefully this will work for you and save a major reconstruction/rebuild.

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Jim Smith jimsmith94@comcast.net
-=Dekley D-12 10&12=-
-=Fessenden D-12 9&9=-
-=Emmons D-12 push pull 9&4 (soon to be 9&9)=-
Stereo Steel rig w/Boss GX-700
IVL SteelRider w/JV-880

James Quackenbush · Post by **James Quackenbush** » 15 Nov 2003 4:02 pm

A good cleaning is in order....If that plastic on the front of the steel didn't melt or warp, you are in good shape....It's more than likely a bunch of soot on there ... Not too much damage ...The pickup even looks like it survived !!..I'm very sorry for you misfortune ...Good Luck ....Sincerely, Jim

Mark van Allen · Post by **Mark van Allen** » 15 Nov 2003 4:05 pm

Maybe you should just leave it alone- don't they sound better when they're all black? Talk about hot licks...

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Stop by the Steel Store at: www.markvanallen.com

DroopyPawn · Post by **DroopyPawn** » 15 Nov 2003 4:14 pm

I've started cleaning on the guitar and having good results. It's cool that it's mostly aluminum because the aluminum parts are cleaning easily. I went down to the store and got some formica cleaner and a mild abrisive compound. Doesn't seem to be leaving big scars, but even it did, that would be better that a suit covered guitar.

Anyone know where to get a small handheld buffer? Like a litte dremel tool?

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Wayne Brown · Post by **Wayne Brown** » 16 Nov 2003 10:49 am

hi gary i tried to call but the line is busy...i left my number on the other line ...could you please call me
thanks
wayne brown
c/o out west pac-seats

Mark Herrick · Post by **Mark Herrick** » 17 Nov 2003 1:37 pm

I say leave it like it is. If anyone asks, tell them you're just a really hot picker...

Alan Ames · Post by **Alan Ames** » 21 Nov 2003 9:13 am

I heard rumor that Sierra Pedal Steel will soon be back in business, so soon we will be able to get stuff from Tom again.!!!
At first I was going to say, "forget it; it is burned too bad" But it does look like it did not get too hot.

DroopyPawn · Post by **DroopyPawn** » 21 Nov 2003 11:44 am

The guitar is actually cleaning up well. The aircraft aluminum parts don't hold smoke very well when you put a little rubbing compound on them. The steel parts will need to be replaced. I might also want to redo the mica.

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Stan Townsend · Post by **Stan Townsend** » 21 Nov 2003 12:11 pm

Guitarbeque.

Sam White · Post by **Sam White** » 23 Nov 2003 7:28 am

It looks like a cooked turkey to me . Sorry it was just a joke. I think if it was my steel I would cry my heart out. I think the world of my Fessenden and the guy who makes them.I feel real bad for anyone that loses there steel guitar in a fire or stolen. I know how I would feel and I beleave it is heart breaking.Good Luck Droopie and I hope it all cleans up for you.Get some Army brasso in WAL-Mart it does a great job on Aluminum I use it on my steels all the time.
Sam White[This message was edited by Samuel E. White on 23 November 2003 at 07:39 AM.]

Dr. Hugh Jeffreys · Post by **Dr. Hugh Jeffreys** » 23 Nov 2003 7:33 pm

You might try bar-top epoxy or polyester resin instead of mica. I've had a lot of experience with these. You can cover up the burned areas by applying random streaks of color (perhaps spray paint); when that dries, put on 2 or more coats of clear epoxy. This gives a cultured marble appearance and really looks great. I made a bar that way. Good luck, HJ

Chris Forbes · Post by **Chris Forbes** » 24 Nov 2003 3:57 am

was it still in tune?

DroopyPawn · Post by **DroopyPawn** » 29 Nov 2003 7:00 pm

It actually was nearly in tune. I pulled on some levers and stepped on a couple of pedals and all the changes moved. I'm sending if off this week to be finished. I've cleaned as much as I want to mess with on this one.

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