oh and on a related note, converted another Saiga and it too had the same issue with the cross pin not being flared! That makes the only 3 that I know of all having the same issue.
Maybe a dumb question, but what do you use to replace the rivets? Do you have a machine/tool to replace the rivets, or did you plug weld the holes, or use a screw type fastener?
There are different ways to do it. I weld mine. I back the hole up with a piece of copper (a pre-82 penny works), then with a properly set MIG, weld it up. Requires just a little file work, and some fine sanding to clean up.
There are plastic plugs available as well which do a good job of plugging the holes, but do leave a visible plug.
Well I figured now was as good a time as any to finish my folder project. Our very own Clay was nice enough to help me finish her. Big thanks to Clay!
Here Clay is dimpling the rear rivet holes into the trunnion.
On to the rivets! Now I wanted to document this process step-by-step but I have a short attention span, saw something shiny in the corner and that was all she wrote..
The riveting is complete and Clay is burning in the reinforcement plate.
Grinding the welds flush.
Installing that big ol spring was a 2 person job.. PITA!
Stopped off at dads on the way home to try it out. He seemed to like it!
Clay also installed a reinforcement plate on my SGL31-94. He was being extra careful not to harm the finish.
Open heart surgery on my baby!. We decieded it would be best to weld the plate in from the inside to minimize the chance of harming the finish. It worked out great.
Here is the SGL, reinforcement plate installed.
Here is the almost final product. I've gotta little more to do yet, then get her cerakoted.
That is great work. My metal working skills aren't even close, case in point, the drill press throwing the trunnion across the room when I broke a bit in it today.
I'm definitely mounting a light like that. My press is in a dark spot and I need more light during winter.
I've had a couple people offering to buy this build recently. I've been out of the loop on AK's for a while so looking for some opinions. This being a SGL31-84 clone, what is a resonable asking price?
From left to right: SGL31-94, SLR104UR, SAIGA IZ340 coverted.
The one on the right is the one featured in this build thread. I just added the front sight/gas block combo at the most recent AK build party. Now all thats left is to sbr it for that sexy AK105 look.