642 water damage?

[Bassoneer]

I agree...since you got all the surface junk off why don't you either get it bead-blasted, or take it somewhere to have a nice ceramic coating applied...the original frame had a paint on it...just get that done again and you'll be back to new. You could even choose what color you want...

Whatever you choose, we're glad you're back to being armed and loaded for protection. I have the same gun and love it. Later, B

[Guest 44M]

hey guys, thanks for the tips, where would I go to have that ceramic coating done, thank you so much, I tought there was no hope for that gun to look decent ever again, and it is my favorite CCW ...do you know how much would that be, to have that done?

[Bassoneer]

There's probably a bunch of gunsmiths in your area that could do it. I think here in Knoxville there is Coal Creek Armory (and a few others) that do all sorts of finishes on guns. If you wanted to go cheap, you might even be able to get the finish in a can from Midway or Brownells for around $20. I have not tried it, but there are lots of folks that have posted very positive results. You would need to spray the frame and then put it in the oven for a little while, and I think it stinks up the house, so do it when your wife isn't around. And of course, you would need to do some disassembly and take off the grips...I would probably leave the cylinder and barrel alone since they are stainless. Also, check and see if the paint you're looking at works on Aluminum...there must be a bunch that do because that gun was painted before and a lot of lightweight (aluminum) 1911 frames are painted. Read the reviews and instructions for the various "do-it-yourself" ceramic spray paints on Midway and see if you feel up to it. Otherwise, I would just look in the yellow pages for a gunsmith near you that does finishing work. Good luck, B

[Bassoneer]

I just looked at the Midway sight...here is a spray-on ceramic coating that looks very highly rated. It is black, but that might look pretty darn cool if you left the barrel and cylinder in stainless. Anyway, it looks like the cheapest spray cans of paint like this are black or gray and maybe green. If you want any other custom colors you need to get an airbrush setup to get the finish on there...

Again, good luck, B

Wheeler Engineering Cerama-Coat 4 oz Aerosol Black - MidwayUSA

[Bassoneer]

Here are some links to photos showing the type of two-tone's I was suggesting...B

http://www.handgunclub.com/hca/wp-content/gallery/hca-best-2010-two/m58pinto1.jpg

http://www.gunblast.com/images/SHOT2010/Day1/DSC09327.JPG

http://www.snakeriverarms.com/siteadmin/productimages/pro_10181_1_10.JPG

http://guns4u.info/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/150159_large.jpg

[I_Like_Pie]

Don't forget that, unlike the exterior of the gun, the internal parts are largely carbon steel. If you haven't already done so - I suggest a complete takedown, cleanup, and lube of those internal parts.

It isn't really a beginner job as there are one or two parts that are tricky to get in and out without a special screwdriver like tool, but not too difficult and there is a couple of Nashville area gunsmiths who will give it a once over for $40 or so.

[Guest gunsmoke308]

hey bud you can always send it to smith and they will replace the frame if its bad they did it for me. they replaced the frame new serial number and all new parts great warranty service