Cz restoration and mods.

[Czakp64]

Greetings all,
Finally got all my parts in to complete my 82.
Attached are some pics and narrative of the process in replacing the barrel and trigger guard. (Please excuse the organization of the images. Or lack thereof. )
Both parts still available at CZUSA. You might also buy any pins, springs and small parts.  If you are prone to occasional clumsiness. I always take extra precautions on the bench and the surrounding floor.
Though I was a machinist/ mold maker in a past life. I see nothing intimidating for anyone who likes to tinker with these things.
I can expand on any part of the process if you want.
I hope this helps with dispelling any myths and intimidation factors. Enjoy.
Entirety of the restoration included:
Strip and prep entire frame and slide. "Zip Strip", removed the paint in minutes. Hand sand to desired finish and finish with "blue Wonder" (black).  Follow instructions.
New barrel.
New CZ 83 trigger guard.
Rubber coated the factory grips.
Installed MeproLight night sights.
Done.

Almost forgot the range report.
Well nothing blew up or moved around. The trigger guard enhanced my grip technique. Lightened grip pressure and improved control a lot for me anyway.
The barrel replacement improvements  in accuracy are subjective at best.  Slow controlled fire, off hand.
At least with ball ammo. 3in at 7yd./ 7in at 15 yd.
But!  With JHP, wow!  Max 2in at 7yd. And max 4 at 15yd.  All off hand. Didn't bring bags this trip.
I didn't  have this experience with Hp's with the old barrel. This may say something...

A fellow at the range commented, " That's some kind of sinister looking pistol, brother"
I'll accept that as complimentary.

Pics:
http://s1377.photobucket.com/user/Czakp64/library/CZ82%20Restoration%20and%20mods

[rytlewski]

You do nice work, and your 82 looks great!  Thanks for the report.  How did you rubber coat the grips?

[Czakp64]

Thanks. As to the rubber, grip coating. I used "Proformix" plasti-dip spray.
Available at lowes. Or ace hardware. Comes in many colors including clear. Very grippy when done.  And if you mess up or just do not like the appearance it will peel off like a stubborn, rubber glove. Then just clean and start over
Here is my developed methods:
Make a couple small wood pedestals and double stick tape the underside of the grip to the top of pedestal.
Work in an area where overspray is not a problem. Consider ventilation as well.
Clean grips with alcohol. Dry.
Shake can well and observe temp conditions per instructions.
Spray grip surfaces kind of heavy and most importantly be sure to spray completely around and under the edges. This will prevent the coating from having a place to start peeling.
The coating will look very , very ugly. Don't worry. Just walk away and come back in 30 minutes. The coating will be conformal, tight and smooth. With little or no texture.  I apply 8-10 coats over about an 8 hr period. And though ready to handle, I leave overnight before putting back on gun and shooting.
The coating does not have a tendency to fill in the valleys of the checkering it seem to build all level equally. My grips were already worn in places so they are kind of smooth in normally checkered areas.
I just love the feel.
Huge downside for me is that the coating has no tolerance for gun Solvents. And perhaps oil to a lesser degree. I just remove grips before cleaning and clean hands before re mounting. No problems though.
I have had no coating failure after  8 shooting sessions.
Good luck.
Russ...

[rytlewski]

Thanks Russ, great instructions and I'm going to give it a try.  Something to do on the next snow day, LOL.
Craig

[PaulNYC]

Great post.