Deactivated MG42/M53 AEG convertion?

[krumlauf83]

I just got me a real steel Yugo M53(MG42 clone) and I remember someone did a M53 and MG34 convertion not to long ago. There was treads on both projects here on the forum but I can not find these treads and who did it. Hope to do a convertion my self

[Village]

Krumlauf,

Schmitty did the AEG conversion of an MG-34. If you're open to gas then search for any posts by "woodco". He had built a couple gas BV engine-powered M53s and also welded up a receiver for my M53 kit.

Funny, I was just logging into the site to post an ad for my unfinished M53 project. I initially planned on taking cues from Schmitty's MG-34 build and stick a v3 mechbox into a carved up pistol grip. As it turns out the M53/MG42 pistol grip is slightly narrower than the MG-34 grip so that plan won't work. Your best route to take is probably that of gas-powered. Here's a thread on ClassicAirsoft.org displaying a BV engine conversion of an M53 kit: classicairsoft.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=82&t=10032 You'll need some skill with a metal lathe and drill press to build one from scratch. Or, you could try to source some BV guts to speed up the build.

[schmitty]

Village: I can't speak for the M53 but the MG42 grip is pretty much the same thickness as the MG34 and it is possible to squeeze a motor into it. On the MG34 I had to grind some clearance into the pistol grip side plates to make it fit. The pistol grip area did take a ton of grinding in every direction to make room for a motor, in fact I cut it into two pieces, ground it out then welded it back together. The Ultima MG42 proves that the grip can hold a motor.

If your still selling your M53 how much do you want for it and what have you already done to it?

Schmitty

[Village]

schmitty,

I bet you're right on the actual dimensions. I just saw a photo somewhere of the pistol grips for the MG-42 and MG-34 profiled against each other on the palm-end, but I can't find the link right now. I thought the '42 was about 1.5mm narrower just from the pic. Also, this Japanese builder appears to have made some grip panel spacers for his MG-42 build, but he didn't do the same for his MG-34:
(MG-42) blog.livedoor.jp/pitarou2005/archives/2006-12.html
(MG-34) blog.livedoor.jp/pitarou2005/archives/2006-11.html
(that's a cool blog to browse through, though it's all in Japanese)

I'll try to post the formal ad soon but here's a gallery of the kit:
s95.photobucket.com/albums/l129/JaredDilg/For%20Sale/Yugo%20M53/

Like I said woodco did the welding for me. The rear receiver was constructed out of steel square tubing that was sliced down the middle and welded back together to the correct width dimension. The hump in the back that profiles against the buffer spring plate could use a little more fine grinding but it does match well with the curve of the stock. The internal dimensions of the receiver are intentionally smaller than real-steel so that it could in no way be converted to a real firearm with surplus rails and bolt assembly (and the ATF won't bother me). Also there's no cut for the ejector port. The buffer spring assembly fits snug into the end of the receiver so it should be no problem to fasten it permanently. The front recoil bearing was custom made to accept a 7/8in tube to simulate the barrel. Again, something to make sure this stays a replica. The grip assembly comes with the complete fire control group - I had pulled it out just to figure out how to fit the v3 mechbox in there. This kit also comes with the M53 assault drum and the guts of a G36 high-cap mag inside it.

I'd like to get $300 plus actual shipping for the whole thing. Altogether it weighs about 23lb before packaging!

[krumlauf83]

Thanks a lot guys!
I have just started working with a company that makes parts mainly for the offshore industry here in Norway and I have access to both manual and CNC milling and lathe machines. I`m in the process of learning to use these machines so in time I will hopefully be able to make me a working AEG Mg42. I choose a gearbox over gas because I want a weapon that works in all temperatures and that does not need an external gas tank and hose.
But it seems like the V3 gearbox is the way to go and as Mg42 is fully automatic only I don`t need the hassle with a selector like on the Mg34