need help installing 1911 plunger tube

[Smiley]

The plunger tube on my Kinber compact I recently started giving me problems and has finally come off today. I have a kimber master dealer with a smith who actually works for Kimber living in the apt above the store. I figured instead of spending the money on a smith I would give it a try myself to fix it.

I ordered up the replacement plunger tube tonight and I am wondering if there any online instruction on installing it. Seems like a fairly simple process. I also wondered if I actually needed any kind of "special" crimper tool that wouldn't mar the finish

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[stans]

Brownell's sells the tools for installing plunger tubes, but if you are just installing one tube, spend the money on a good gunsmith. If you plan to install several tubes, then the tools are worth the money. Just my dos centavos.

 

[1911Tuner]

Expedient Field Repair

Shade-Tree Armorer to the rescue!

Go get some JB Weld at your friendly neighborhood hardward store.
Mix it as per directions and let it stand for 15 minutes while you prep the gun.

Rough up the backside of the plunger tube and the mating surface of the frame with coarse sandpaper. Be careful so it won't show the marred finish
after the tube is in place. Degrease the area thoroughly with brake cleaner and allow to air-dry for a few minutes.

Spread a thin bead onto the tube, and a very small smear on the frame.
Use a toothpick to dab a little onto the legs of the tube. Be SURE that the
tube is oriented correctly before installing it.

Press the tube into place and clamp it lightly with a C-clamp or a bench vise.
Just enough pressure to keep it flush on the frame. They crush mega-easy.
Use a dry piece of paper towel to wipe off any excess that squeezes out
onto the frame, and inside where the legs come through. Be sure that the
stuff doesn't get in the inside of the tube. Let it stand for 24 hours in the clamp. BADA-BING, BADA-BOOM! It's there until you take it off.

Luck!

Tuner

 

[Old Fuff]

I've done the same but used Brownells' glass bedding compound. If you should stake the tube be sure the holes are countersunk on the inside. All to many makers don't do this now, which is one reason the tubes come loose.

 

[Kruzr]

If you don't do it yourself and the smith wants more than the cost of shipping to Yonkers, then just send it to Kimber. They will fix it and their turnaround on things like that is the best in the business.........less than a week.

If you decide to send it back, send an e-mail to Dennis first and tell him the problem. [email protected]