Mystery topcover photos

[R4 fan]

I got the topcover in with the dustcover door recently, and I just took some photos for those that are interested. There isn't a single marking anywhere on this thing. In the fourth photo, I'm holding the topcover down because of the spring tension on the door. If I would have let go, the door would just fold under. Really neat. I may use it on an Izzy HB shorty if it's actually an Israeli part.

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=163363&a=13830638&p=55557926

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=163363&a=13830638&p=55557927

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=163363&a=13830638&p=55558116

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=163363&a=13830638&p=55558117

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=163363&a=13830638&p=55558118

[Master Blaster]

Now that is seriously kick-ass! Where and how much? :D :D :D :D

[FN74]

Brother! You HAVE to tell us where you got that from!

I WANT ONE....

[R4 fan]

Sadly, this was the only one the guy had. I paid $120.00 for it, and it's worth it to me. ;) Here's my previous post on this:

***Mystery topcover*** (http://www.l1a1.com/cgi-bin/forums/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=014027)

When the cover is closed, the top of the bolt carrier will trip the tab inside of the cover and pop the door open. I've never seen these anywhere else. Does anyone know the actual history of this thing?

[Wright Brothers Gunsmiths]

Quick, find a metal stamping guy and make a bunch of these. You too could be a millionare,or at least make a lot of FALers happy. I need two myself.

[R4 fan]

I thought of the same thing. These can't be that hard to produce, and they just look so cool on the FAL!!! it fits *perfectly* on my SA58. :D

[Stg 58]

I saw one at a gun show before.The guy said he got it while he was in Israel.Supposedly for the Fal HB.Unfortunately his was not for sale.

[PowerFal]

If someone has an old beater top cover that I can use as a pattern, I have some very expensive 3D modeling software that i could lay out the sheet metal parts as long as we could get some accurate measurements off your funky one. I have some connections in the fabricating business that might be able to do some small runs if I do all the layout work.

[R4 fan]

PowerFal,
Getting the topcover is no big deal. I have a bunch of new covers I got from Tapco. Does anyone have any idea how involved this project would be or how much it would cost? I have been looking up different metal stamping facilities in my local area, and have found a couple that will do small runs. I haven't contacted them about any pricing yet though.

[PowerFal]

Most of the guys around here charge a standard set up fee (reguardless of the number of units that are being made) and then a cost per unit, with breaks at intervals of numbers. One of my friends works for a large tool and die shop and is very high up the ladder. If I can get some good CAD drawings for them, IE they can just plug it into the CNC and make the dies. After that, simple assembly, Spec out spring and find a vender, spot weld cover to standard dust cover in some sort of indexing jig. If you are not looking for an exact copy it looks as though some mods could be made to "streamline" the unit. Looks like some good snag areas that can be eliminated by design. I have done projects somewhat like this before and the price varies way to much with out some further information. if anyone is interested in continuing the discussion, catch me online and we can talk more in depth. I am now HOOKED to the FAL FILES and spend a great deal of time getting info on my G1 project. :p