My Pre-B refinishing and modification diary

[Underwhere]

My stripping is going slow. It's been 2 days and the finish is still on. I think it's because of temperature as it's still about 30 to 45 degrees out (I left it under my bulkhead)

So I guess I'll wait a few more days.
In the meantime I started to revitalize the edges on the controls which have been rounded over time and use.

I will try removing the existing blue with vinegar and then reblue with the rest of the gun.

[Underwhere]

Ugh. The paint stripper is doing nothing. No change in the last day. It has been a bit cold. Tomorrow may be much warmer so. I may try and leave it out in the sun.

I started another frame modification on a different cz while I wait.

[The Guardian]

Ugh. The paint stripper is doing nothing. No change in the last day. It has been a bit cold. Tomorrow may be much warmer so. I may try and leave it out in the sun.

I started another frame modification on a different cz while I wait.

Usually when I strip the modern day polycoat on CZ I put it in to soak for 2 weeks before I even check it, even then there are the slide serrations and some other nooks & crannies that need "worked"......from what I've seen your doing a great job! We all have that "get it done" drive, patience really is your best friend though    Thanks for taking the time to post the pics, that takes some time too, much appreciated!

[myczaccount]

I have a 95 Pre B I ask wanna refinish. I?m a total noob at gun refinishing so I?m excited to see how yours turns out!

[Underwhere]

Usually when I strip the modern day polycoat on CZ I put it in to soak for 2 weeks before I even check it, even then there are the slide serrations and some other nooks & crannies that need "worked"......from what I've seen your doing a great job! We all have that "get it done" drive, patience really is your best friend though    Thanks for taking the time to post the pics, that takes some time too, much appreciated!

Good to know. I have my tub sitting outside today to hopefully heat up a bit in the sun. I may try and make some sort of insulated box for it with a non-flammable heat source to try and accelerate it. A chicken water heater comes to mind.

I have a 95 Pre B I ask wanna refinish. I?m a total noob at gun refinishing so I?m excited to see how yours turns out!

Me too!

One of the things I was struggling with on my first attempt at frame modification was how to get the curves perfect. It takes a lot of finesse and checking/re-checking. I did better on the beavertail on the frame I played with last night.

[Mccian]

Looking forward to see how this turns out Underwhere, sub'ed for sure........enjoy the process!

[Underwhere]

Turns out I was using the wrong stripper.

I was using Klean Stripper Premium.
I needed Klean Stripper Aircraft.

Sp01shadow and I have been in touch and he's given me some invaluable advice.

After 4 days in the Premium I have about 40% polycoat off but the rest was just not budging.

I swapped it into the Aircraft and after 4 hours I can already see a difference. I'm probably at 60% now. I can see how this stuff would remove everything in 3 days.

OK so now I'm optimistic again.

Note: none if this refinishing stuff is cheaper than just buying a new CZ75B so I hope those following aren't expecting a bargain miracle.

The Klean Stripper Aircraft is $40.
A container of Acetone is $20
Assorted sandpaper is probably $25
Containers for soaking and washing...
Separate container for boiling $20 to $50
Distilled water...

I could go on.

[Earl Keese]

You can buy a cheap stainless stock pot at Walmart. For soaking, I use semi disposable Rubbermaid kitchen containers, so far my wife hasn't noticed. There is some expense in getting set up, but I've done several guns including rifles since I started rust bluing. Aside from the time invested(which I enjoy), I've refinished quite a few guns and haven't exceeded the cost of even one cerakote job.
 A refurbished pre-b may not be much cheaper than a new B, but at least with a Transitional model, you'll have a tuned gun for not much more than the price of a new B. If you tune the B with Cajun parts, and add sights, the pre-b becomes even more attractive from a cost standpoint. That said, I think there's just something special about a nice pre-b.

[Underwhere]

You can buy a cheap stainless stock pot at Walmart. For soaking, I use semi disposable Rubbermaid kitchen containers, so far my wife hasn't noticed. There is some expense in getting set up, but I've done several guns including rifles since I started rust bluing. Aside from the time invested(which I enjoy), I've refinished quite a few guns and haven't exceeded the cost of even one cerakote job.
 A refurbished pre-b may not be much cheaper than a new B, but at least with a Transitional model, you'll have a tuned gun for not much more than the price of a new B. If you tune the B with Cajun parts, and add sights, the pre-b becomes even more attractive from a cost standpoint. That said, I think there's just something special about a nice pre-b.

Yup. I still think it's worth it. Just didn't want people to be disillusioned in thinking this was a cheaper way to an awesome gun.

I am in an unfortunate situation where I have an induction cooktop at home. The cheap Walmart brand cookware has a stainless coating but is likely just aluminum. I have 2 of them when I bought them for other gun projects. My stove just beeped at them when I attempted to heat them up. I had to use my BBQ grill. I actually need more expensive cookware or buy a standalone burner.

Gun (w 1 old mag) + shipping + fee = 380
Blueing solution + stripper + acetone + sandpaper = 100

CGW parts = 453
Grips =?

Then there are your incidental costs and certainty your time which will amount to likely tens of hours. Hopefully by virtue if being in this forum most people would enjoy the time as I do.

As far as cerakote costs. Yes it's probably more expensive if you don't have a blasting cabinet and a media blasting setup. And an oven your wife will let you use.


Overall I'm having a great time. Gives me something productive to do when the family is asleep. I'm learning a ton as well.

[Earl Keese]

$453 in Cajun parts? What did you buy?

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

[Underwhere]

$453 in Cajun parts? What did you buy?

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

It certainly adds up quickly. I'm not posting prices but yea it's exactly 453.

(not including grips)

The most expensive parts are the barrel bushing, hammer kit, sights and disconnecter.
I've used a bunch of CGW parts before and personally I believe they are worth the money.

 

[Earl Keese]

For comparison purposes, just remember that aside from a couple springs, the parts list for a new B would be the same. That's  going to be a nice gun when you're finished!

[Underwhere]

For comparison purposes, just remember that aside from a couple springs, the parts list for a new B would be the same. That's  going to be a nice gun when you're finished!

Yes. The replacement parts cost only $19. It's no more expensive than upgrading a newer CZ.

This parts list will make the gun amazing provided I do my part. (I'm trying)

[Underwhere]

Klean Aircraft did the trick. It's noticeably stronger and seems noticeably more dangerous as well.

Even walking near the container in a decently ventilated area stung my eyes.

Here is a slide that has been in the Aircraft stripper for 1 day. I used a light brush in it.

I'm confident in 3 days total there will be pretty much nothing left. Likely just 2 days but one more day for the heck of it.

[GMSPCR]

temperature definitely makes a difference. I am using the aircraft stripper and put it out in the garage and it did nothing for 3 days. I moved it inside today and it is starting to work now.

How much did you take out under the beaver tail? It don't look like there is much in that area to remove without cutting through. Also how much did you remove under the trigger guard?