My EDC is a Colt Defender Lightweight which means it has an aluminum frame and a stainless slide. I acquired this piece in September of 1998 and have carried it every day since (21 years) so you can imagine the beating and wear and tear of 7,665 continuous days of riding on my side.
The slide still looked OK but the frame was looking kind of sad and in need of refreshing. First call was to Colt to bead blast the frame but they no longer offer that service all they currently do is Cerecoat which is what the new pistols wear for a finish.
A quick call to my go to guy (@BigWaylon ) for a recommendation turned up his favorite Cerecoat applicator, @Magdump. A few texts and a call or two later and we were standing in his shop discussing the options. I wanted to stay as original as possible and Roy didn't disappoint. He had samples that were exactly what I wanted, a deal was made, hands were shook and I left my prized possession with him for the magic to happen. The VERY NEXT DAY Roy called and my Colt was ready to go.
To say I was pleased would be an understatement. The work was flawless and exactly like what Roy had shown me the day before. I know I'm not the easiest person to please but Roy managed to make me smile......
While I was at it I called Colt back and ordered a new set of Diamond Wood grips with a gold Colt emblem to set it off nicely. Next call (tomorrow) will be to @chiefjason for a new holster, just like the last one he did for this gun. It's currently riding in the old CJ holster and it will be fine until he gets me a new one on the way.
While it was "down" for the refresh I needed to replace a couple of the grip screw bushings and in the process I discovered http://www.challisgrips.com/pg/17-Hex-Drive-Bushings.aspx. These folks make a variety of products for 1911's and their tap and hex drive bushings are the easiest way I have EVER replaced bushings. The tap actually cuts the correct sized hole as it threads it, easy peasy........
The slide still looked OK but the frame was looking kind of sad and in need of refreshing. First call was to Colt to bead blast the frame but they no longer offer that service all they currently do is Cerecoat which is what the new pistols wear for a finish.
A quick call to my go to guy (@BigWaylon ) for a recommendation turned up his favorite Cerecoat applicator, @Magdump. A few texts and a call or two later and we were standing in his shop discussing the options. I wanted to stay as original as possible and Roy didn't disappoint. He had samples that were exactly what I wanted, a deal was made, hands were shook and I left my prized possession with him for the magic to happen. The VERY NEXT DAY Roy called and my Colt was ready to go.
To say I was pleased would be an understatement. The work was flawless and exactly like what Roy had shown me the day before. I know I'm not the easiest person to please but Roy managed to make me smile......
While I was at it I called Colt back and ordered a new set of Diamond Wood grips with a gold Colt emblem to set it off nicely. Next call (tomorrow) will be to @chiefjason for a new holster, just like the last one he did for this gun. It's currently riding in the old CJ holster and it will be fine until he gets me a new one on the way.
While it was "down" for the refresh I needed to replace a couple of the grip screw bushings and in the process I discovered http://www.challisgrips.com/pg/17-Hex-Drive-Bushings.aspx. These folks make a variety of products for 1911's and their tap and hex drive bushings are the easiest way I have EVER replaced bushings. The tap actually cuts the correct sized hole as it threads it, easy peasy........
