vz 58 upper handguard replacement - help

[rgnatus]

Dumb question - how is the upper handguard removed from the metal cylinder cover on a vz 58 once it has been taken off the receiver? I am trying to replace the furniture and do not want to damage the metal cover or old upper handguard by doing it incorrectly. Thanks.

[Stevo]

There's two possible methods employed to retain the beaver barf handguard that I've seen.

One uses metal tabs to hold it in place. You can see these about midpoint on the handguard along the bottom edge. Bend one back and spin the hanguard off the base.

The other has a spring and dimple system. With that, just spin the guard off.

[rgnatus]

Lol. Yeah, beaver barf about sums it up. Mine has the two metal tabs. That's exactly what I was planning on doing, but didn't want to go bending stuff I didn't need to. Thanks!

[Stevo]

You're welcome. Which new furniture are you putting on?

[rgnatus]

I'm putting on the Mako polymer set with the rails on it. The bottom guard is an issue as well. I've read I'll need to dremel out the inside corners a bit and tap it into place. It's not going to fit otherwise....already tried. The Mako pistol grip was no problem and is a big upgrade IMO.

[Bennybone]

Dont dremmel your gun!  Remember that you cant put metal back.

Just use the proper size punch and support the gun firmly on a table or vice with padding and make a good whack at it.

Everyone uses punch and force haven't heard anyone needing to use a dremmel on pin or receiver for release.

put some penetrating oil before dremmeling.

BB

[Stevo]

I'm sure he's referring to the plastic lower handguard, not the gun.

[ObiWanBonJovi]

if it has the 2 tabs you will need to order a retaining spring http://www.czechpoint-usa.com/products/spare-parts-and-accessories/vz-58-parts-and-accessories/upper-handguard-holder/

there are 3 styles of gas tubes .
first already has spring, just rotate off.

second has 2 tabs as integral part of tube, cut off both tabs, drill 5/32 hole centered front to back where the tabs were right at top of tube for the spring dimple to sit in.  Replace tabs with spring(if you bend tab it will never bend back as the steel has spring to it and you can't go past handguard with it)

3rd the tabs are a seperate part spot welded on, drill out spot weld(this will give you retaining spring hole) rotate off and replace tabs with retaining spring.

[ObiWanBonJovi]

I've installed several fab lowers, they are supposed to be tight, make bleep sure it is held straight and give the bottom a whack with a mallet it should go on.

[MariusVZ]

Sorry to exhume this thread but can someone give me a little more info on the upper hand guard that just twists off?  I think that's the kind I have... no tabs, etc.  I am twisting and nothing is happening!  Tough to get a grip on too.

there are 3 styles of gas tubes .
first already has spring, just rotate off.

second has 2 tabs as integral part of tube, cut off both tabs, drill 5/32 hole centered front to back where the tabs were right at top of tube for the spring dimple to sit in.  Replace tabs with spring(if you bend tab it will never bend back as the steel has spring to it and you can't go past handguard with it)

3rd the tabs are a seperate part spot welded on, drill out spot weld(this will give you retaining spring hole) rotate off and replace tabs with retaining spring.

[RSR]

It's essentially an oval with 45% or so of one side of the oval cut off.  Put some tape on a big pair of pliers and twist the beaver barf off the metal.  Most VZ2008s are missing the tabs for the upper beaver barf...  OOW sells new upper metal tubes w/o furniture on them. 

Good luck!

[losingle]

After fumbling around awhile, I locked the ears (forward) part of the metal heat shield into a small vice vertical  and twisted the plastic with both hands and it came right off.  Putting the fab Polymer on was just reverse of the first process.

[MariusVZ]

Thanks for the info guys. I will try again. The biggest problem I had was holding onto the metal part. Maybe I'll try to get it started while still on the gun.