collegian coverplate problem

[Deleted]

Hello.
I took a punt on a collegian coverplate from NRP. They did say it might not fit perfectly, and it doesn't.
I'm still determined to resolve this, and as I see there are two solutions:
1/. take it to a metal cutting / pressing business with amended specs to create a new one;
2/. weld (laser?) a rim from a donor plate under / around it.
Anyone know who might be able to do such work?
Or does anyone have any other suggestions about solving this?
TT

[pete1951]

what is the plate made of? Is there enough of a flange on the body to screw the plate onto before any mods?
Pete

[Deleted]

It's a steel plate. It appears that NRP plates are about 5mm smaller in diameter than MM plates. There is barely room for new screwholes on the body, and the old ones are visible with the new plate in place.
TT

[pete1951]

My favourite would be number 1, this would involve a thin washer glued or preferably soldered to the body, filled and resprayed, with possibly a plate soldered to the underside of the body to take the cover screw.
2 and 3, would make a feature of the gap with a ring or washer . They could be plated or sprayed to match the body..

The last pair would mean the cover plate would sit a couple of mms higher than the body
4 would again make a feature of the gap
5 would need some respray
Pete


Or I would happily swop with an MM cover.

[Deleted]

I've taken it to a local laser cutter / fabricator. He's gonna give me a quote on fitting a rim to it, but he thinks it will be cheaper to just make a new one. Which lead on to the next conversation - if I'm having one done, it might be worth having a batch done.
So, when I get the quotes, I might be in a position to sell some UK made collegian style coverplates (and maybe sieve coverplates with no ribs?).
I wouldn't be in this to make a mint, but enough to cover costs and alc free beer money.
TT

[leeophonic]

I would probably give up at this point as the more you add the more rattles as the coverplate will not be seated properly.

The NRP stuff is made to their own specs as is the Messer blues body and they all have there own measurements, thats why with every cone you have to alter the saddle biscuit as the profiles and heights are all slightly out.

Ask yourself at what point do you cut your losses and buy a collegian (new or old), just tell the wife it is only shopping for essentials.

Regards

Lee

[Deleted]

Sorted!
I cheated with the palmrest this time. I put the old MM coverplate over a gas ring and in 20 secs, the palmrest came off.
Same principal with a few loops of solder on the new plate (with a drilled sump hole), press down til it melts, hold in place til it sets.
TT

[robbie]

nice one deuce...………………. looks the bizz

regards
les

[Stevie]

Good heads-up with the gas flame TT- I've long wanted to sweat my hand rest off and make arrangements for some screws and hank bushes, not for a specific reason- more because it irks whenever (on the odd occasion) I "go inside". With a removable hand rest, you have more options to bypass unnecessary disturbances.

e&oe ...

[Deleted]

Final word on the matter...
TT

[davey]

Brilliant TT, looks superb.

[gordon]

Beautiful! Good work TT.