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Vintage C8 Pillar Extension "Best Mod Ever"

Started by Compressorguy , Jan 18 2014 11:15 AM

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29 replies to this topic

#1 Compressorguy

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Posted 18 January 2014 - 11:15 AM

Tired of craning your neck to view through that wonderful old C8. Well no more......

Here's the start of one of the best mod's I've done so far.

1) 4"Dia x 10" PVC Tube

3) 5/16" x 12" Long Threaded Rod

3) 5/16" Hex Nuts

3) 5/16" Acorn Nuts

That's it, less than $10

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#2 Compressorguy

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Posted 18 January 2014 - 11:17 AM

Cut the 4" tube to @ 10". More or less given your height and viewing preference.

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#3 Compressorguy

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Posted 18 January 2014 - 11:19 AM

Check the tube for good square on both ends and in multiple locations arouund teh tube. Sand, file, etc as necessary.

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#4 Compressorguy

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Posted 18 January 2014 - 11:22 AM

Cut the 5/16" rod 2 inches longer than the tube length. In my case 10" plus 2" == 12" long. Any extra length will extend out the bottom plate and be hidden, so no need for precision.

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#5 Compressorguy

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Posted 18 January 2014 - 11:23 AM

Screw the rods into the base. Leave enough to extend an inch od so above the top of the extension tube. You can adjust them later.

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#6 Compressorguy

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Posted 18 January 2014 - 11:25 AM

Place the extension tube on the base. The 4" PVC is a perfect fit between the rods.

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#7 Compressorguy

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Posted 18 January 2014 - 11:30 AM

Install the wedge on the new 5/16" rods and install the 5/16" hex nuts. Before final tightening,adjust the rod height so there is @ 1/4" of the rod sticking up past the nut. This will be used to secure the acorn nuts next.

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#8 Compressorguy

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Posted 18 January 2014 - 11:31 AM

Evenly tighten the hex nuts and install the acorn nuts to finish it off.

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#9 Compressorguy

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Posted 18 January 2014 - 11:32 AM

And there you have it.

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#10 Compressorguy

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Posted 18 January 2014 - 11:35 AM

Much Improved viewing height. I will paint the tube latr with some black plastic approved spray paint and she will be good to go.

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#11 Compressorguy

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Posted 18 January 2014 - 11:36 AM

With the scope at 45 degrees, the eyepiece is @ 56"--57" from the ground.

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#12 Compressorguy

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Posted 18 January 2014 - 11:40 AM

A much, much "Improved" viewing height. I'm 5'10". This feels about right but if notyou can easily modify the tube to fit. I cant wait to use it and see how the scope settles after a bump. The assembly, once tightened, became very rigid. My neck is going to love this mod. Enjoy!!

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#13 Mr Magoo

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Posted 18 January 2014 - 11:43 AM

That looks like a great mod Scott, but please get a new cord lol!

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#14 Compressorguy

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Posted 18 January 2014 - 11:47 AM

please get a new cord lol!

But I like surprises! :grin:

Do you think the E.R. would understand my use of the words "It's Original"??

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#15 Terra Nova

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Posted 18 January 2014 - 02:31 PM

Nice Job Scott! :waytogo:

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#16 joerbiker

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Posted 18 January 2014 - 02:36 PM

Scott, great idea! I'll have to try this myself.

Thanks for sharing,

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#17 Compressorguy

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Posted 18 January 2014 - 03:37 PM

Bring on the paint. Scuffed up the tube with green scotch brite pad. Wiped down with 91% alcohol and blew off with compressed air. Then applied some spray enamel made for plastic. I used this as a base adhesion "Primer" since it is a little glossy for final.

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#18 Compressorguy

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Posted 18 January 2014 - 03:40 PM

Finished with this ultra flat spray enamel.

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#19 Compressorguy

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Posted 18 January 2014 - 03:43 PM

There, this looks more better.

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#20 Compressorguy

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Posted 18 January 2014 - 03:44 PM

alot more better!

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#21 tim53

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Posted 18 January 2014 - 04:06 PM

Scott, that's beautiful!

Couple questions, though.

Number A: What about using 6" PVC (schedule 80?) if it's available, and thus have the threaded rods on the inside of the PVC pier extension?

Letter 2: How about 1/2" or 3/4" aluminum tubing to put around the threaded rods - to hide them, and also to give something even more rigid for the nuts to tighten down against?

A very cool idea, though. I might try this myself!

-Tim.

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#22 Compressorguy

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Posted 18 January 2014 - 04:41 PM

Hi Tim, I actually thought about both of those options but the main I reason went with 4" is because it was more readily available and I knew it would fit. I thought about using tubes as well but then thought about the compressive differences between the two materials and just decided to keep it simple and cheap. The 6" tube may add more rigidity and looks like it would fit the base but honestly this feels just as rigid as without the pillar. I also checked the dampening time with a glint off a street lamp @ 100 yards away and it was a second or less, so I dont know how it could be any better. There was also no more vibration while focusing than without the pillar. I think I am really going to like this mod!

Maybe someone with access to some 6" stock could try it and report.