[infoseeker456]

I have a new KMP 100% side plate with the holes pre drilled. I laid a straight edge on my bottom plate and it is humped or bowed in the middle. Since my plate already has the holes pre drilled only the center rivit fits in. The holes are not off by a lot, but enough the rivits wont go in on the bottom plate.

The center rivit goes in easily, then the rest of them wont go in. the very back and very front bottom rivits are the worst. The straight edge shows that it is warped about 32nd.

Thoughts?

If this was one of the older 80% plates, I would just drill the holes to match the warped side plate, but the holes are already drilled.

No criticism of the plate whatsoever. Simply a straight plate on a bent bottom.

Thanks for the guidance.

 

[blackrifles]

Same boat I was in yrs ago. You're going to have to straighten bottom plate, use a straight piece of thick steel to back it, a hammer is your friend, some use a press but I didn't have one.

 

[Roc Rat]

Just as long as the holes will line up center to center, smack it into submission. Clamps work too,, if you can bend it slowly and insert the rivets one at a time,,, get one started and slowly bend it. I had the same problem with a couple of builds,, I always thought that the lower might be "pre-stressed" to add to the strength of the build.

 

[Ouchman]

The best thing to do is to unbend it. Almost every auto repair shop or auto parts store that presses bearings has a press that is more than adequate. Don't forget to bring your side plate to check your progress.
A six pack of decent beer as a good will gesture won't hurt either.

 

[blkbd]

Well worth the $ and you can allso rivet with it using a jig.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=33497

 

[Armorer]

I had the same problem with one. The bottom plate was not off by much. The cure was to place one or two rivets through the back of the bottom and side plate and then use a large "C" clamp placed on the top of the side plate and bottom of the bottom plate. It was surprising how easy a few turns bent the bottom plate into line. A rivet or two can then be placed in the other end and that will hold it in line until the other rivets can be installed and set. You may have to do both sides that way. The "C" clamp I used was a 4 incher. That is about the minimum you can get by with. Of course it all depends on just how bent the floor plate is.

 

[Shattered]

Hit it with a fargen rock. Worked for a bud when he popped the top cover. Tres cool...

 

[Mouse]

Hit it with a fargen rock. Worked for a bud when he popped the top cover. Tres cool...

So easy a Caveman can do it......

 

[Z06]

part on gunbroker

part on gunbroker ( not mine ) left plate bottom plate rear sight

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=101542233

 

[Shattered]

So easy a Caveman can do it......

There you go...

 

[ohioblacksheep]

I go with Armorer's line of attack, only I've got 6in. c clamps..Of the doz. or so bottem plates I've dealt with, can't say I've ever really seen one that WAS strait...Lou

 

[johnnyjt]

Bottom Plate That Rocks

Yes I also had one!

Just give it a couple of

shots from a heavy hammer!

It works!


JohnnyJT
South Philly

 

[L999here]

...can be frustrating...

In all seriousness....many of the bottom plates are 'Armasteel' made in WW2 and will crack or split if not pre-stressed before trying to bend back into shape. Had a couple that I used a torch on to heat it up....just barely red... and supported both ends. Then slight taps with a BFH and a steel bar in the area that was bowed. Really had a tough time with an M2HB .50 BMG bottom plate and a top plate.....but they straightened out OK. Just take your time and don't get too carried away......LOL....

 

[BeltFedPlus]

If you really need one, try Numrich Arms in the closeout items.

http://www.e-gunparts.com/DisplayAd.asp?chrProductSKU=920610&chrSuperSKU=&MC=YJ

$77.15
Regards,
Tom

 

[HottAK47]

I have lined up a half dozen by putting the bottom plate in a vise with two big half inch drive sockets on one side and one socket on the other side and slowly closing the vise until the bow eases out. If that makes any sense. Sometimes with a little heat but it seems to do as well cold.

Some Armasteel seems to be more brittle than others. I personaly got no problem anealing the stuff.