Tutorial! How to replace ejector rails

[FEDUPWBS]

As promised. Replacing AK ejector rails. The reasons for this repair would be incorrect installation of rail, improperly heat treated/worn rail, Or you filed too much off the ejector and it wont eject properly.
Tools used

1. spot weld cutter and drill on high speed setting
2. mig welder
3. air angle die grinder w/ various grit grind and sand discs
4. cutoffwheel
5. hammer and punches
6. Mapp Gas torch for heat treating ejector
7. rivet setting tools
8. spot welder
9. skills

This gun had the rail welded in a position that was too low in the front causing the ejector to hit the bolt and FTE issues.



This is a spot weld cutter. Place it/center on the individual existing spot welds and drill with high spindle speed so tool doesnt walk off center.






Remove center support rivet and center support. Remove rail and clean inside of receiver.

[FEDUPWBS]

Note: this receiver had poor spot welds so I only had to cut out two of the welds, the others broke with a chissel and hammer.
Dont forget to heat treat the new ejector and trim mag stabilizer BEFORE WELDING IN PLACE.





Spotweld in new rail


Mig weld holes that were plug cut to fill in.




Install new center support.

[FEDUPWBS]

Grind away welds to even surface.







You must paint after this operation as park will show imperfections as the hardness of the metal will be different around the fill welds.

Also this is a one shot repair because once you mig the rails in they will not come out!

[oaklander]

Nice work FED!

This should be sticky-ed. . .

[JeffM]

Nice. Sorry I couldn't help today.

My camera has macro.

[thisismyboomstick]

I spot a 1991 vintage Bulgarian.

[jjperl]

Also, when using the mig welder be careful not to over heat the receiver, otherwise it will warp.

[robitrocks]

Very Nice. Thanks!

[FEDUPWBS]

I spot a 1991 vintage Bulgarian.

Only 1 ?

Also, when using the mig welder be careful not to over heat the receiver, otherwise it will warp.

Or start a fire. Warping wont be much of an issue when the rail is in due to the extra thickness. Just use common sense when welding and go slow when building up/filling in holes.

[scotthmt]

Nice write up. measure twice weld once .

I accidentally grinded my ejector tab a bit short causing FTE and had to weld it a bit longer, the grind/reshape

[marksbb]

Now the big question...When are you going to put together a Bay Area build party?

[TonyM]

Now the big question...When are you going to put together a Bay Area build party?

About 2 months ago.

[Tweak338]

no fair, i wasn't around for it..

[redneckshootist]

no fair, i wasn't around for it..

you snooze you lose

[motorhead]

excellent. lots of work/tools for most. myself, bend another flat.