Side Plate & Cylinder Replacement **Update**

[Dump1567]

I picked-up a used 642-1 that had some finish wear on the side plate & cylinder. I wanted to replace both but started with the side plate and ordered one from ebay. Are side plates fitted to each gun at the factory, or are they mostly interchangeable if you keep within the same few years of manufacture?

How about cylinders? Could I run into timing issues if I drop in a complete cylinder assembly? What if I swap in the ejector star and internals from the old cylinder to the new one?

Thanks.

**Update**

You guys were right. Not a perfect fit, but I found a side plate that fit fairly well. The cylinder didn't fit either until I swapped out the ejector star.

I didn't realize this had some pitting on the side plate under the laser grips when I bought it, but the grips (which retail for around $250) came with the gun for an extra $50 from what these guns usually sell for.

Here's how the side plate looked:

I'm not sure what caused these marks that go all the way around the cylinder?

The finished product. The cylinder I got off ebay looked almost new.

 

[flgolfer29]

I purchased a side plate for a model 10-8 from the same vintage, it had to be fitted slightly. Not saying that all must though.

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[chief38]

Since your 642 is stainless, you are better off refinishing the existing Sideplate and Cylinder IMHO. Stainless is relatively easy to bring back as long as it's not a total wreck.

 

[Dump1567]

Since your 642 is stainless, you are better off refinishing the existing Sideplate and Cylinder IMHO. Stainless is relatively easy to bring back as long as it's not a total wreck.

I believe the side plate is aluminum? And both the cylinder and side plate has whatever dull finish S&W uses.

I already went full-in and have a few side plates and a cylinder coming. I'll see how it works out. I love to tinker.

 

[MygunisaS&Wrevolver]

Sideplates are individually fit by the factory. I have tried in the past to swap out damaged ones and they never fit right. As mentioned before, it is probably better to refinish the scratched up plate. Cylinders can be changed as long as you have the knowledge and proper tools.

 

[Dump1567]

Updated in OP

 

[flgolfer29]

Good job. How does the timing check out with the new cylinder? Also, was the side plate loose or tight?

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[Dump1567]

Good job. How does the timing check out with the new cylinder? Also, was the side plate loose or tight?

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Timing is right on with solid lock-up. The side plate is ever so slightly raised on the top, and more so where the grip covers. It's pretty even where the trigger is.

 

[flgolfer29]

You can take some sandpaper and sand the sections of the side plate edges to remove material to get a better fit. Keep checking the fit all along so you don't remove too much.

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[Dump1567]

You can take some sandpaper and sand the sections of the side plate edges to remove material to get a better fit. Keep checking the fit all along so you don't remove too much.

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Thanks. I may give that's try.