An idea on how to weld up the APEX fronts

[ChrisPCook]

Still experimenting, but you'll get the idea, I'm going to weld this one up into a dummy receiver, so I'm just going to use 1/2" (I think that was the size) steel bar placed in the channels to keep things straight, I'll clamp them in place prior to welding to prevent movement. I took a 1 1/2 inch copper fitting I bought at home depot and cut a slice in it as it was just a tad to big. I beveled the edge that laps over the "top" when "compressed to fit nicely in the cut cams area. I used a hose clamp to hold it all together, the only problem is that with it real tight it torques it slightly off at an angle. I don't have any brass rod at the moment, but that or a solid copper rod placed in the recuperator channel should alleviate that. I also thought about making up a "wedge" of some sort to place in the lower ejection port area to keep the two pieces from shifting any when the hose clamp is tightened down. I'll update when this idea is further along, but the copper backing works great. Chris....

[Bil]

That looks good,for a receiver being made into a dummy and in smaller pieces,I would suggest uning a steel plate,it gives stability in more directions and looks clean under the topcover.Nice job with that mess on the front,keep us updated. ---bil

[www.Prussia.us]

Chris,

If you can mastermind a way to make these mutilated fronts viable as useable receivers (I know this experimental one is a dummy but if it works...) you will make a lot of guys very happy.

[42rocker]

Wow.. Looking good Chris..
Please keep posting pics as I'm hopeing to redo one also..

Later 42rocker