presentation case bottom 'trays'

retrieversfour · #1 02-20-2011, 10:14 PM

I've started buying S&W presentation cases on eBay and am finding most of them are either missing the top foam and bottom tray or the bottom tray is damaged and missing pieces. Is there a source of replacement trays for all barrel lengths? I have special interest in 8.385 inch barrel versions. I've even thought about contracting with someone in the plastic molding business to create a mold and start producing reproduction trays for people like me who have perfectly good boxes but no 'guts'. The other item I'm trying to find a source for is the split rivets that were used to install the hinges and locks on these presentation cases. Anyone know where I can buy these? Apparently Presto Lock Co has gone out of business. Thanks very much. retrieversfour

thedane · #2 02-20-2011, 11:05 PM

Hi Retrieversfour,

You've identified 2 items that don't seem to be available to repair presentation cases. One of the forum members JCELECT does an excellent job in case restoration. However, there doesn't seem to be a source for the plastic trays or the split rivets. If you could fill this void, I'm sure it would be appreciated.

Dave from Pa · #3 02-21-2011, 09:57 AM

Sent you a private message.Dave

jcelect · #4 02-21-2011, 04:11 PM

The liners would be very expensive to have repos made! I restore the broken ones!

jcelect SWCA#LM723

nicksfather · #5 02-23-2011, 08:43 PM

i have tossing this idea around also. i made a mold using a case insert and filling up the back side with auto body filler pam spray as a release agent. i am going to drill 2 small holes through the deepest point to attach a vacuum supply and i am going to a plastic company to buy some moldable plastic sheets. the sheets should become very pliable when heated and should conform to my mold. i will let everyone know how it turns out when i try it. also i did find split rivets somewhere on line.

Gunhacker · #6 02-24-2011, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicksfather

i have tossing this idea around also. i made a mold using a case insert and filling up the back side with auto body filler pam spray as a release agent. i am going to drill 2 small holes through the deepest point to attach a vacuum supply and i am going to a plastic company to buy some moldable plastic sheets. the sheets should become very pliable when heated and should conform to my mold. i will let everyone know how it turns out when i try it. also i did find split rivets somewhere on line.

I experimented with vacuum forming inserts a few years ago, I found that you need to drill a number of small holes in the form to draw the plastic down tight.

Look on the underside of the insert and you will see little raised bumps formed when the plastic sheet was drawn into the holes, that's what I duplicated on my form. I figured whoever designed the factory form must have already worked out the ideal pattern and hole size.

I had planned to make a go at mass producing them, but my day job just kept getting in the way to devote the time to finalize my setup.