Zaan Color Change

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Aug 6, 2012
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Greetings Team CRK, I started with the bare bead-blasted titanium scales...
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...disassembled and shipped the scales off for black cerakote. Can't recall the Member's name, but thanks to his post in this forum, I was able to make a take-down tool for the old style Zaan pivot. I called CRK to purchase one, but they're no longer available.
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The cerakote turned out perfect. I rolled a small piece of emery cloth and lightly sanded the pivot holes to remove the cerakote and allow the pivot to seat without resistance. I used a little flourinated grease on the washers and reassembled. True to CRK's design intent, blade lockup was perfect, butter smooth and the blade was dead centered.
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A couple more pics.
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All that remains to meet my ultimate vision for my Zaan to tie into the style of one of my pistols, is to obtain a pair of Zaan pivot bushings, which I plan to inset as medallions into my pistol's grips. However, CRK doesn't sell the older style Zaan pivots and I'm not going to pay the price for an older Zaan just to harvest the pivots. So, I probably won't achieve my ultimate goal, but, never say never.
 
That looks pretty good.

I'd suppose that you could perhaps get a machine shop to fabricate some medallions for you. The look would not be too difficult to duplicate, and because you have little need for tight tolerances, it ought to be more reasonable than a whole knife.
 
unit said:
I'd suppose that you could perhaps get a machine shop to fabricate some medallions for you. The look would not be too difficult to duplicate, and because you have little need for tight tolerances, it ought to be more reasonable than a whole knife.
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You bring up a very good point, from this point forward known as Plan B.:D

In the early stages of planning, I manipulated one of my photos, in which I cloned the Zaan pivot over the grip medallions of the pistol. That solidified my desire to move forward with a theme plan. Obviously, the scales of the Zaan are bead-blasted in this photo, but the black coating of the scales' current state, put its one step closer to my vision. Thanks for the comments Gents!

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Now that does look nice! Of all the things done to the Zann I think this looks the best. And what a beautiful 1911.
 
Looks great!

I am trying to find that exact configuration of Zaan but it is difficult. (Old pivot, jimping, and LBS with logo) I know there are a few out there somewhere!
 
Being a Wilson guy, I'm on board with the plan….What model ACP is that? It looks similar to my 1996, which Wilson says is like a CQB. Good work on the 'Zan, Bart
 
Thanks for the feedback folks!

The_Knife_Man said:
How well will the cerakote hold up?
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Admittedly, I have no personal experience with cerakote. However, being that there's quite a few top Pistolsmith's that use it on their custom pistol builds, I have confidence in their recommendation. Worse case scenario, if it wears from my daily pocket carry, then I'd just simply welcome the honest wear marks. My EDC requirements are rather tame, so my EDC's don't really see hard use. But, even if they did, I'd view the nicks and scratches as character.:)

bart1 said:
Being a Wilson guy, I'm on board with the plan….What model ACP is that? It looks similar to my 1996, which Wilson says is like a CQB. Good work on the 'Zan, Bart
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That Sir is a Wilson Combat X-Tac, it's a joy to shoot and runs like a beast.

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That is beautiful. Cerakote, heat dried, should be very durable and scratch resistant. It can always be reapplied. If the gentleman was a certified Cerakote applicator, then so much the better. I'd say no worries. Good job.
 
That is outstanding !
the other forumite had a great suggestion and I hope that you check into getting some faux pivots made for your grips because I'd love to see that pic!


So now for the hit, I think that you're going to feel the itch pretty soon to send that gorgeous Spartan in to get it turned black :)

Thanks for sharing.
 
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1AbominAble1 said:
So now for the hit, I think that you're going to feel the itch pretty soon to send that gorgeous Spartan in to get it turned black :)
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Well my friend, you're in tune with my train of thought. We've exchanged posts in the past, regarding the similarities in the blade profiles of the Zaan and Spartan Horkos. Nothing would please me more than to see a Zaan style blade profile fixed blade from CRK. To fill the void, I do in fact have a black spartacoat Horkos on my radar.:)
 
I like what you have done. It looks very cool and unique. Your lanyard is awesome as well. Nice
 
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