[bleak23]

<---Custom CDP II: when I changed the grips, both bushings on the left side came out with the screws. When replacing, I stripped the top hole and shredded the bottom hole. The grips are mostly held in place by the bottom screw/bushing, but if I take it off, there's no way it'll screw back on (so no pics). I called Kimber and they said they would have to "return it to factory condition" which probably means they would replace the frame. I cannot afford that.

So is there any way to fix? I looked at JB Weld but don't think it would work because there's no way to tighten the screw without breaking the epoxy, I'm guessing.

There is also BROWNELLS - 1911 AUTO OVERSIZED STOCK BUSHINGS & TAP, but I don't have the tools or the skills to do it properly. Should I just bring it to the gunsmith and see if he can do the oversize bushings?

Is it me or is this just cheap manufacturing? Do Colt 1911's have this problem? You would think that a gun as expensive as a Kimber... etc.

 

[danf_fl]

It happens to the best.
The oversize bushings and tap are easy to work.

Basically, you are "chasing" the threads with the tap. The key is to be perpendicular to the frame. If you still feel unsure of doing it, most auto mechanics can assist. Then use loc-tite on the bushings (but not inside). After the bushings are setup (normally 24 hours is more than enough time), put the grips back on. A little oil on the screw threads may assist in avoiding this situation in the future.

I have used a large screw driver to put the bushing back in, but you have to be careful that the bushing does not get buggered up.

 

[jgoertz]

Same thing happen to me. Local GS charged me $45 to chase threads, install oversize bushings and lock tite them in. Worked well.

 

[danf_fl]

Same thing happen to me. Local GS charged me $45 to chase threads, install oversize bushings and lock tite them in. Worked well.

Did that include cost of parts or were they extra?

 

[jakewpns]

Same thing happen to me. Local GS charged me $45 to chase threads, install oversize bushings and lock tite them in. Worked well.

45 just for that? We charge 45 per hour of labor, but something like that probably wouldve been 15 plus parts, and free if you purchased the firearm from us.

 

[jgoertz]

I thought it was pretty reasonable. $45/hr for a skilled gunsmith (1 hr. min.) is not excessive in my opinion.

 

[jgoertz]

Oh! No charge for parts .

 

[jgoertz]

Addendum : I fully believe a skilled tradesman should be able to make a fair living. Billable hours are not necessarily all the working hours put in.

 

[70cuda383]

anyone can strip out threads, and everyone has done it at least once, on something.

it has nothing to do with the quality of the firearm, and rests entirely on the skill of the monkey with the screw driving changing the grips. If you bought this weapon brand new and you're the only one who's ever changed grips, please take no offense to the term "monkey" if you bought it used, then blame it on the first owner! haha.

I've stripped out threads before especially working on auto projects in the garage. "oops, dangit! oh well, I guess they make helicoils for that!"

the fix is easy. if you don't trust yourself to do it, then stop by your local gun store, either they can do it for you, or will tell you who they sent their gunsmith work to.

 

[jgoertz]

Tarzan chastises me often. I plead guilty. In point of fact though, I have worked on many aircraft and cars. You said yourself that you have used helicoils so don't punish me too harshly. )

 

[jakewpns]

Oh! No charge for parts .

Then in that case very reasonable. Did they loctite the bushings?

 

[jgoertz]

Yup! And new extended grip screws both sides because the new grips were laser grips and were thicker than the originals.

 

[jakewpns]

Nice. Hope you enjoy the new grips

 

[bleak23]

Did that include cost of parts or were they extra?

I will call tomorrow. Hope he has the parts/tap.

anyone can strip out threads, and everyone has done it at least once, on something.

it has nothing to do with the quality of the firearm, and rests entirely on the skill of the monkey with the screw driving changing the grips. If you bought this weapon brand new and you're the only one who's ever changed grips, please take no offense to the term "monkey" if you bought it used, then blame it on the first owner! haha.

I've stripped out threads before especially working on auto projects in the garage. "oops, dangit! oh well, I guess they make helicoils for that!"

the fix is easy. if you don't trust yourself to do it, then stop by your local gun store, either they can do it for you, or will tell you who they sent their gunsmith work to.

Yeah, it *was* new when I bought it. I *am* the monkey/walrus.

 

[bleak23]

The gunsmith I had in mind would do it w/parts for around $60 (40 minutes @ $80 per hour). I'm looking for other gunsmiths but, surprisingly, there doesn't seem to be many in the Dallas area at the moment.

Should I send it out? Any recs?

 

[jgoertz]

Tad on the expensive side. Up to you. Knowing what I know now, I'd order the parts from Brownells and tackle it myself.

 

[jakewpns]

The gunsmith I had in mind would do it w/parts for around $60 (40 minutes @ $80 per hour). I'm looking for other gunsmiths but, surprisingly, there doesn't seem to be many in the Dallas area at the moment.

Should I send it out? Any recs?

We do gunsmithing in Corpus Christi. Just a short 10 hour drive.

 

[danf_fl]

Watch the extended length screws that they do not interfere with the mag ejection.

Or just send the gun to me and I will put it through its paces (and maybe return it after 10 years).

 

[bleak23]

Tad on the expensive side. Up to you. Knowing what I know now, I'd order the parts from Brownells and tackle it myself.

Would I *need* tools (other than the tap) to do it? From what I understand, the biggest obstacle is tapping the new holes at the perfect angles (90°). I guess I would need a T-Handle Tap Wrench and make a 1"x1" wooden guide for the tap.

 

[bleak23]

OK, I'll take that as a tacit "you're on the right track."