That went badly

[Oldfatguy]

Been working on my 1960 vintage Blue Streak to get it up and running. New pump cup & seal kit, all the usual suspects. Got the front end back together and did a dry run on the valve nut turning it CCW till heard/felt the thread start - then CW to seat. So far so good. But not so simple with all the parts in place. Lots of spring pressure made finding the thread start really difficult. So wound up stripping the first two threads In the tube - verified with bore scope. Any hope of salvation?

OFG

 

[Treefrog]

Yikes. I feel you. That's a wonderful gun.

Can you tell how many threads are left? If more than half are still there, I'd gingerly thread it back in. Pics would help some.

Luck,

J~

 

[Gerry52]

My suggestion is just re-tap it with the same size to "clear" those first couple threads. Depends on how deep threading is. Just a suggestion.

 

[Oldfatguy]

My suggestion is just re-tap it with the same size to "clear" those first couple threads. Depends on how deep threading is. Just a suggestion.

Measured thread pitch to be 32 TPI and 0.660” diameter. Now need to find a tap.

OFG

 

[MB1]

I'm not familiar with the inside of that gun but have saved a few threads. I have made taps / thread-chasers with a new, hard bolt. I cut traditional grooves in a new bolt to clean up threads. It also helps to finish with a new nut or bolt to mate with the damaged threads. I know we are talking vintage here and I feel your pain.

 

[Oldfatguy]

I'm not familiar with the inside of that gun but have saved a few threads. I have made taps / thread-chasers with a new, hard bolt. I cut traditional grooves in a new bolt to clean up threads. It also helps to finish with a new nut or bolt to mate with the damaged threads. I know we are talking vintage here and I feel your pain.

Bore scope inspection showed only the first 1 1/2 or 2 threads damaged so there is hope. Still looking for either a tap or hard bolt to chase the threads.

OFG

 

[Wadcutter]

21/32-32 is the tap size.

 

[Oldfatguy]

21/32-32 is the tap size.

 

[JohnL57]

You might try wrapping the valve tool with tape to help keep the nut in line with the threads. It is challenging to get it going correctly in my experience.

 

[Oldfatguy]

You might try wrapping the valve tool with tape to help keep the nut in line with the threads. It is challenging to get it going correctly in my experience.View attachment 333943

Thank you for the idea. Since I have a bench top lathe I’ve already made a bushing. And yes, if I
had used tape wrap I might not be in this mess.

OFG

 

[Oldfatguy]

Thank you for the idea. Since I have a bench top lathe I’ve already made a bushing. And yes, if I
had used tape wrap I might not be in this mess.

OFG

A big thank you for all the kind words and helpful suggestions. Ended up making a thread chaser out of an 8-32 tap mounted in an acetyl plug. Threads cleaned up nicely. With the valve tool in a 3” bushing the thread start easy to feel and nut goes smoothly in for 0.155”.

OFG

 

[Chuck-in-Ohio]

Good going on the workaround!

Let us know how she runs out when you get the chance.

 

[Oldfatguy]

Good going on the workaround!

Let us know how she runs out when you get the chance.

Have front end assembled and valve installed. Intake check valve holding and waiting to see if it holds 8 pumps over night.

OFG

 

[Treefrog]

That's great news! Congrats.

You should shoot a pic or two of it for the 'Show your Sheridan' thread.

J~

 

[Oldfatguy]

That's great news! Congrats.

You should shoot a pic or two of it for the 'Show your Sheridan' thread.

J~

Finally got the old Blue Streak back together and shooting. Will post pictures as soon as I figure out how to use Flicker.

OFG

 

[JohnL57]

You don't need flicker-click on the picture icon in the toolbar at the top of the text box you type into-it's between the chain link and the happy face. You can upload pic directly from your phone or desktop.
Congrats on the reseal! When I did mine I got a sliver of brass from trying to start the nut into the threads which got into the exhaust valve causing it to leak after a few shots. Had to tear it down and remove the sliver, it's been great since then.

 

[Oldfatguy]

DAMN !!! That was way too easy. Thank you JohnL. Old Blue being tested for intake check valve leak - passed.

OFG

 

[Oldfatguy]

Valve tool bushing and thread chaser.

OFG

 

[Oldfatguy]

Follow up on Old Blue. Held 2 pumps for six days so calling it good.

OFG

 

[beerthief]

off topic but maybe cheer everyone up ?

Crosman 362 100 Year Edition And More New Guns For 2023

2023 is the centenary of Crosman airguns. For this momentous landmark, Velocity Outdoor plans to introduce a Crosman 362 100 Year Edition.

hardairmagazine.com