MG34 Lafette Restoration **** Pics restored 2017

[tomcatshaas]

652 is the code for Metallindustrie Schonebeck AG, Schonebeck/Elbe, Friedrichstrasse 27, Sachsen-Anhalt

Decided to start on the 34 Lafette restoration. I started on the easiest section (yeah, right) which is the lower tripod. I tried to just remove the Norweigan green paint, but found that there really wasn't much left of the orig. paint in area's. So I chemically stripped as much as I could off, and then glass bead the rest. The lower tripod is the most difficult, and had to drop to 80 grit alum. oxide. One more trip in the blast cabinet with 80 grit and I should be done with all the stuborn paint in the nooks and crannies. Then I will go back up to med. or fine glass beads.I used extra fine glass beads on the hardware as they are going to be blued.

I have been able to save the orig. leather pads.(orig.?) But I am debateing on removing them for ease of painting and re-sewing them back on. I have to study up on leather sewing before I make that desision. The hardware will be blued. Everything is nicely marked with waffens and such.

This has been a long, process. Really long.

TC
----Update by 42rocker ----- I'm starting a long rebuild with the original pics on this thread.
PLEASE post your pics on this site!!!! photo hosting sites change
TC Did a GREAT JOB with this thread and it was a shame to see the pics being lost.
Working on getting them back. I know that some of the pics are doubles they were that way.
42rocker


Followed by 1254, 1255, 56, 60. 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 61, 67

[DARIVS ARCHITECTVS]

TC, is it possible to mask off the pads, the stitching on the pads and paint the pad plates, then remove the masking and hand paint the areas near the stiching (carefully) so you can save the stitching? I know it sounds work intensive but if there's a way to save original material that is intact, that's what I would try for.

[tomcatshaas]

DA,

it is possible to mask off and paint. I already masked them off when they where in the blast cabinet. However, it would be a major pain to mask off the inside plate area as not to get paint on the stitching. The stitching in some area's is aready fragile and may need to be replaced anyways.


Does anyone have any information on the makers code? S652 in triangle on lower and upper sled dated 1941. The aiming and searchfire has a 30 dated 1940.

[Bil]

TC There are ways of masking that may work for you-there are paint-on masks,you use small brushes to apply,and they peel off later,there are also narrow tapes,look in artist supplies stores .You can also use an airbrish or jamb gun to get in the small places.You can also chech sign-painter supplies places,they have stuff that you can even sandblast the mask with no damage.One good place is Dick Blik,stores all over and web sales too.Your project looks good! ---bil

[DARIVS ARCHITECTVS]

I'd get a #00 brush and work around the stitching if I ccould save it. Also, add sone thread where the stitching it threatening to come undone, taking care to match the new fiber as close as you can to the old. This is a labor of love. Part of the fun is trying to preserve as much as possible. If you can sandblast around the stitching, then there's probably a way to paint around the stitching without getting pain on the stitching.

[tomcatshaas]

well today I decided to remove the leather pads. I thought about it for along time, and decided it would produce the best outcome rather than trying to mask them off. Besides, the thread was fragile and coming loose anyways. I went to Tandy leather and matched up the thread. Bought a book on hand sewing leather. And got some hide rejuvenator to restore the suppleness of the leather before I removed them. Everything went well. And I pleasent finding inside. This confirms my assumption of original leather. I found original horsehair padding and original stamps!!!!. I am doing the happy dance!

Pads are eagle stamped and makers waffen 445 which is -Albin Scholle, Lederwarenfabrik, Weissenfelser Str. , Zeitz, Sachsen-Anhalt (fsx) who also made P38 holsters between 41-42.

However, I am not 100% sure on that. I can't really make out the makers mark above the 445.



it looks like the lower pad was Norweigan drop checked.

TC
----Update by 42rocker ----- I'm starting a long rebuild with the original pics on this thread.
PLEASE post your pics on this site!!!! photo hosting sites change

followed by 1308, 1307, 1306

[Bil]

That does look nice! I can't wait till you start sewing the leather-you won't be posting till your fingers heal! Get a good palm for sewing,I learned when I was a kid about a sailmakers needle and palm-it will save your fingers! ---bil[/color]

[tomcatshaas]

More progress. Phase one is almost complete. All the hardware should be blued by this Thursday. The lower main frame and parts are now primed. Painting is slow going as I have to do it early morning when their is little wind and no neighbors to complain.

Phase two, The upper tripod is disassembled, and waiting to be stripped, and bead blasted. The search fire assembly will be started at a later time. I think this is enough to keep me busy for awhile.

TC
Replace pics 1350, 49, 48, 47 ---- 42rocker

[tomcatshaas]

hardware is blued. Lowere tripod frame and legs are painted.

Replace pics 1364, 63, 61, 60, 58, 56 ---- 42rocker

[Bil]

Very nice! Did you do the blueing yourself or have it done? I find it hard to believe that the shop looks so nice-I wish I could keep mine looking like that! No wonder you can get things done! ---bil PS-what did you use for primer and paint? ---bil

[tomcatshaas]

bil,

I used an oil base red oxide primer which matched my original primer exactly. Got it from fleetfarm. I found that the spray can works the best. The dunkelgrau I got from Sherwin Williams. Its 7021 dark grey and is in their system. Used exterior all surface satin oil based. It's a dead on match to the untouched dark grey paint inside my bolt box. Ryan recommended to use an airbrush, so I got one and was all set to use it but ol gorrilla hands (that be me) broke the small little fittings. So I had you use my old reliable touchup spraygun I used back when I was restoring Warbirds for a living. Old squirty or squirt as I have named it has done the job again. I haven't used it in 10 years! I mixed 12 oz. of paint, 2 caps full of japan dryer, and the rest thinner to a total of 16 oz. It worked great, and tacked up nicely between light to med. coats. That lower frame is the worst as it has alot of surface area and nooks and crannies.


ps. I had a local gunsmith do the blueing. I did the metal prep. I am sure its just the standard hot blueing salts process that is most common today.

TC

Replace pics 1367, 66 ---- 42rocker

[tomcatshaas]

Phase one of "Operation Lafette" is complete.

Replace pics 1372, 70, 69, 68 ---- 42rocker

[DARIVS ARCHITECTVS]

This is looking SO COOL thus far, TC! Keep up the great work!!!!

your nemesis,

[tomcatshaas]

Just wanted to show how I baked on the enamel oil based paint. I pulled all the drawers out of one of my toolboxes and hooked up 4 brooder 250w heat lamps. Baked 3 hours at 150 degrees. Thats even better than DA's easy bake oven.

TC

Replaced pic 1374 ---- 42rocker

[Bil]

Very clever-it looks like it works good! And unlike the easy-bake oven,you don't need to wear the little apron!Those of us without wifes can use the real oven,I have never cooked food in it. ---bil

[tomcatshaas]

more progress. Upper is painted. I also made a fixture to help me assemble the upper. The jig is just to hold the upper so I can slide the internal sled to the rear and help install the rollers and other internals.

TC

Replaced pics 1383, 82, 81, 79 ---- 42rocker

[gdmoore28]

TC, I am soooo envious

Can't you just get a LITTLE orange peel, or a run or a drip somewhere? This is too perfect.

Looks phenominal. Can't wait 'till it's finished.

GeeDeeEmm

[Bil]

Looks really good-and a nice fixture to work with.A clean workbench with those little bins for stuff. I hate you! ---bil [The project is really looking good-nice work!]

[m2ball]

Sean,

I am baking the painted parts in the oven at 175 for 2 hours. Is that enough. If I increase the temp. could it bake in a shorter period of time.

Thanks

[tomcatshaas]

Sean,

I am baking the painted parts in the oven at 175 for 2 hours. Is that enough. If I increase the temp. could it bake in a shorter period of time.

Thanks

a higher temp would risk the chance of the paint bubbling.

TC