My Lafette 42 restoration now underway.

[Tommygunn]

Apart from mounting the lower pad panel and pads this is now done.

I am happy!

Mounting the elev/trav mechanism to the spring loaded leg thingies, that are rivetted to the outer cradle, was a real headache for a while as I couldn't remember how I had removed it in the first place, without messing with the rivets.
Of course, by this time I had installed the rear cup plate and takedown mechanism and, so it was, that this was my problem as I needed the end cap off so I could spread the cradle beams and, therefore, give me that wiggle room to get the parts to slot together.

Anyway, I have ended up with this so far. It's the dog's bollocks!

Tom.

[42rocker]

Wow Looks super nice.
When I get home and the time I'll look long and hard at one of my mg42 lafette's and review that area.
Thanks for sharing all of the photos.

Later 42rocker

[Tommygunn]

Cheers.
When I'm finished I'll do a full round up and provide a link to download hi-res photos and some various useful odds and sods.

Tom.

[Tommygunn]

Pad time. However, I've no idea what kind of thread the Germans used to attach the pads to the panels.
I have five threads; natural, natural waxed, two shades of brown (smaller gauge) and black.

From a personal perspective I'm liking the natural or waxed but what was used.

Tom.

[Tommygunn]

Need to do a repair to the rubber bumpstop in front of the T&E mechanism. The right hand side portion has broken away and hanging by a thread and so I need to glue it back together.
What to use? Superglue(CA) or Vulcanising glue i.e. bicycle tyre repair glue?

Tom.

[42rocker]

Interesting questions. Can't wait to see some answers. I know that there has been talk before in a copy of threads about this, might want to use search burron on the thread question.
Good Luck, Looking real nice.

Later 42rocker

[Tommygunn]

I went with the wax thread and now the pads are re-attached.

Tom.

[Tommygunn]

Finished!

Tom.

[roadrunner]

Tommygun, That just looks outstanding. Really nice work.
I really like the appearance of these original 42 Lafettes. Bought the MG3 model for my MG3 clone and it fits the bill but for my next build its gotta be old school. Once again, Super good job. RR

[42rocker]

Tommygun
Nice Job Nice Job. Well Done. RaRa...

Hope to do one that nice someday.

Later 42rocker

[olli]

Really nice!!! ust getting startet with my 34-lafette and this is great insperation!!

Olli

[Pug42]

Super job... now just a few rounds through an MG34 to get that 'used' look!

[phil_uk]

Excellent restoration, if you ever get bored next Summer, give it a nice coating of Dunkelgelb/Ordnance Tan

[42rocker]

Tom
What did you do about the rubber piece as I have one just like it.

Later 42rocker

[Tommygunn]

I havn't done anything with it just yet. I'll go and do a small patch test with my bicycle tyre glue, both on the block and on some scrap rubber. If that fails and/or behaves like contact adhesives, i.e. peels, then I'll switch to CA glue. In fact I'll test the CA on some scrap as well.

Tom.

[Tommygunn]

Oh, and thanks for the compliments fellas.

Phil,
That was the original plan as per the original finish. When I get bored then I might do that field applied Dunkelgelb look.

Cheers,
Tom.

[Tommygunn]

Ok, I did a glue test on just some scrap and not the actual bump stop. No preparation was done to any surface, e.g cleaning or roughing up. I glued, clamped both pieces for a short time and then left them overnight.

The Vulcanising glue, even with a slight twist, broke away without, as can be seen from the photo, leaving hardly a mark on the larger chunk.
The CA glue, on the otherhand, is rock solid and I can turn the small piece through 180° and it is the rubber that is ripping while the glue is holding fast.

CA it is then.

Tom.

[42rocker]

My other thought was to find some rubber and replace the piece completely. But looks like the CA is holding well.

Later 42rocker

[Tommygunn]

All sorted and solid, so to speak.

Tom.

[pitfighter]

Wow - Tommygunner - what a terrific and comprehensive restoration.
Beautifully done and in keeping with history - I love it.
I have really enjoyed watching your progress - great photos by the way.

Thank you,

Pitfighter.
Working in NYC where there is no militaria.