I just got my first tuba! It's a junk but just like a first car I am going to rebuild it! The first valve is rusted up and the third has no cap but the second is fine. It is covered in rust and the valve's will not open to oil them. I am going to go to my band instructor tommorow. When I told him I got it for $35 his jaw dropped five feet (it was from an antic shop in caseville) so you can respond but you dont have to.

Interesting coincidence! I bought my sousaphone, good shape but dents all over, and I mean ALL over, from a junior high band, for $35---in the 1960s! Best wishes on your restoration!