Let the "rustoration" begin......

[averageplinker]

Several years ago I picked up a real dog of a Lanes Musketeer. There was no bluing left, long since replaced by rust. There is part of the foresight remaining stuck in its grove which looks to be left from a botched attempt at removal. The 2 trigger screws have been b*****ed by the wrong screwdrivers. The trigger guard screw is a brass replacement I am guessing. The stock is riddled with woodworm holes, some leading to areas of surface collapse and there is a chunk out of the heel of the stock. The metal butt plate is really corroded and one of the screws is a modern wood screw. Oh yes and the cocking link is a little curved so it may have had an inappropriate spring at some point.

Sounds really rubbish but all the numbers match and she cocked and fired ok. In my view well worth saving to use. Even though she us rare she will never be the belle of the ball!

So what have I done in the several years she has been in my custody? Not much really. I treated the woodworm and removed the stock revealing that the stock bolts threads had crumbled. Luckily there was enough thread on it to get a modern replacement from a local specialist nuts and bolts supplier.

I have finally built up the courage to go beyond the partial strip down and take her completely apart. Wish me luck and expect many threads with many questions!

Rich

[Josie & John]

You'll have to post some before and after pics. The Musketeer is a firm favourite of mine as it was the first 'proper' British air gun/rifle.

Good luck with the resurrection - sounds like you have your hands full.

John

[averageplinker]

Thanks for the encouragement John. Mine is a smoothbore .177" so cannot strictly be called a rifle but they do have charm by the bucketload!

I have had bursts of enthusiasm before as will be seen on my previous thread on here about the musketeer. I don't know how to post a link using this infernal kindle fire but if you search musketeer on here and look at a thread called....... 100 year old plinker project all will be revealed :-)

Rich

[averageplinker]

Back on a proper computer thingy so here is a link to my original thread..

http://www.airgunbbs.com/showthread....ight=musketeer

It has pictures from an old flickr account I had but cannot remember my log in and it is probably linked to defunct email address. Time for a new account me thinks!

Anyway last night the remnants of the foresight was carefully removed and the heating and soaking of the seized trigger screw has begun. The slot is really chomped but I really want to find some way of rescuing it as I suspect it is a odd/old/bizarre thread which will be difficult to replace and I don't really want to re-tap it to another thread.
Cheers all.

[micky2]

Nice to know that another old girl is going to get the beauty treatment.

[averageplinker]

Nice to know that another old girl is going to get the beauty treatment.

She'll never be a beauty but will have character!
Rich

[slow_runner]

She'll never be a beauty but will have character!
Rich

I love a resurrection.
I take it that you have taken plenty of images from all angles and notes ?
Good
For ferrous items that are beyond the usual I will give them the electrolysis. If you are not familiar with the process it is fairly simple; 12VDC supply, container, water and washing soda. In short time you can remove the oxide and not touch the base metal.
There is plenty on the net or I am happy to give advice based on my experience using this method. ( Loads of c.i camp ovens, pans etc not to mention air rifles and barrel bores down to .177)
Tannin acid from tea bags is another good (but slower) method for smaller pieces.
I look forward to seeing the project

[daveh]

Hi Rich, With regard to your fore sight, when you get the bits out you will find that it is made from folded sheet steel. I have had the same problem with a foresight and have made one from folded brass sheet. Its not difficult and I have made several and I think that "micky2" has a Musketeer that came from me and that has one of my brass sights. If you want one of these sights and cannot make one yourself, I can make one for you[no charge]. Regards Daveh

[averageplinker]

Hi slow runner, the electrolysis is of interest. I wonder if it would help loosen off the seized screw?

Hi daveh, many thanks for the kind offer if I come unstuck with my attempts at a foresight I will be in touch.

Now I am back off to add another drop of penetrating oil the screw!

Nighty night all.

[slow_runner]

Hi slow runner, the electrolysis is of interest. I wonder if it would help loosen off the seized screw?
Hi daveh, many thanks for the kind offer if I come unstuck with my attempts at a foresight I will be in touch.
Now I am back off to add another drop of penetrating oil the screw!
Nighty night all.

Hi Rich. Yes, it will work in that regard too.
I don't have the time to load images onto Flickr but can send before/after on a recent rusted up Falke70 to your email if you wish?