progress drum revision project!

[G.T.]

Hello to all, well, it's been awhile since my last report, but I'm happy to say, that other than revisions taking a LOT more time,...... then I had anticipated, all is going very well... I have completed the revisions on the few customer drums I had for repair, and am now making a loading assist tool for the earlier drums that have yet to be modified, and also it will aid in the loading of revised drums and hopefully original drums as well.. It is simply a snap on strut that locks the loader and drum together, taking the strain off of the mag catch notch... a weak point on all drums when loading! The NUMRICH drums are also coming along well.. I have 15 units that I had hoped to be done in early Feb. but it's looking more like middle of March, as every time I do a modification, I have to tool or fixture for mas production... but all is going well even the areas I've never been before?... (as in, re-milling the mag catch notch!!!) I was going to try to explain how things were progressing, but thought maybe by presenting the task list, the members will get a feel for the amount of effort it has taken to get to this point!
So, here it is!

Drum cover (actual operations needed, Rev. 02 – 21 – 2016 )
1) Unpack, disassemble, inspect, number three key parts (Not applicable after first 50 units)………………………………. COMPLETED
2) Degrease & weld (shut), re-radius, re-polish internal radius, COMPLETED
3) Relocate & recut, (mill) magazine catch .080” lower (1.100”) min. COMPLETED
4) Grind / trim / reduce / polish feed lip level with rear feed lip length COMPLETED
5) Re-size for fit in press die (to light friction or drop free function) COMPLETED
6) Cut & Polish out transitional catch traps, 4 total, BIT, 320, 500, COMPLETED
7) Re-shape hold open teardrop (Ream to 1/4” OAD .020” approx..) COMPLETED
8) Flare tear drop bottom rad. loader function, break feedlip edges COMPLETED
9) Stamp GT…………………………………………………………............ COMPLETED
10) Re-finish black oxide …………..…………………………………….. COMPLETED

Pivot axle / sweep arm & washer
1) Trim lever end to .230” +/- .005”, proper tightening of the lever…... COMPLETED
2) Countersink holes on shaft ends for seating of end screws…… … COMPLETED
3) Check clearance for catch pin (.025”)………………..…………….……COMPLETED
4) Weld sweep arm and washer ………………………………………….…COMPLETED
5) (re-finish black oxide if needed) ………………………......................... COMPLETED

Spring cup cover plate assembly
1) Discard spr., torq. to 240 in. lbs. test cup weld, anchor stud ………COMPLETED
2) Adjust internal guide plate / radius / bend vertical edge IN PROGRESS
3) Refinish black oxide ( if required on spring cup)………………. ONLY IF NEEDED
4) Fabricate & Install new replacement main spring GTHQ IN PROGRESS
5) Reassemble, pivot axle, cover, sweep arm, preload 10 lbs?+
7) Add .025” spacer washer under sweep arm & secure with retainer pin
8) Reinstall modified winding lever with pan head screw

Follower & coil spring
1) Disassemble and install new spring endplate .030” X .390” X .925”
2) Retain all with new cleat .030” X .145” X .900”
3) Install follower stop preset to 33/35 degrees from vertical spring
4) Polish all bearing surfaces, and trim follower pad to: 1.030” OAL
5) Install .250”/.270” Delrin spacer floor plate for greater preload at transition point

Reassembly, bench test & lube
1) lube spring with either white grease with moly, or DuPont lube with Teflon
2) Install follower & spring / cross bolt and drum cover pan head screw
2) load using loader aid device and test for 32 round feed
3) tag as complete
There you have it!!! I've got a batch of 35 to follow the first 15, and that will probably tell me what I can actually produce in a month... I hope to hit 50 per month soon?... hopefully late summer.... I can't really tell you in print how demanding this project is!! But, forward is the only option for me.... Best to all, til...lat'r...GT.....