I hope that is in fact the correct spring.
Unscrewed the end cap and the spring guide is in two pieces, which is probably not how it's supposed to be...
There should be a slotted nut here.
I removed the two side screws and the trigger screw.
The action.
I did not lose the spring...
Pivot lock screw and pivot pin removed.
Drifted out the trigger pin.
Then the trigger guard pin.
And the sear pin.
The piston had to be back in order to take the cocking arm out of the slot.
The piston head has nails embedded in it.
Who the heck puts those nails in there? The nail gnomes?
The piston seal looks chewed up once the nails were removed.
No problem, I'll make replacements...
Now it's just some cleaning and making a few parts...like the missing sights.
Nick,
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of 10 shot groups do you get with finish nails anyway?
DK
One ragged hole...
ReplyDeletewere they using nails for ammo?
ReplyDeleteThat's one theory...the other is that someone was making a maintenance job for themselves down the line, or sabotage! But no one really knows.
ReplyDeleteCould have been trying to limit the power of the piston stroke by not letting it travel fully... I just broke down my ZVP. I used rust erasers and a dremel to mirror polish all surfaces. Especially the sear... It is truly a nice piece now!
ReplyDeleteNice thread Nick I,v just bought one of these fine old pistols for a re-build thanks cheers Paul
ReplyDeleteI just dismantled mine now for the first time ever, and I also found a nail in the piston. Mine has serialnumber 00592, so a pretty early one, hopefully ruling out disgruntled workers/sabotage. Might be that they were put in there intentionally, although I have trouble imagening why? One idea is that it is a form of simple warning system to get you to change your seal. When you hear a metallic sound when firing it means that the seal is worn down...
ReplyDeleteWhat's interesting is that I've never come across anyone claiming to have put nails in one. I've heard various theories such as yours or that the nails cause teh seal to expand, etc. But no one has ever said "yes, I put nails in it, here's why."
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine just came up with another theory. It could be that someone has tried to fire a nail with it, and then the nail slid back from the barrel to the pistonchamber. At least it sounds like "guyish" thing to try to shoot nails with it. Could be one of those one in a million things that two guns made years apart should both have gotten a nail in the system this way...
ReplyDeleteBTW, do you have any opinion on replacing the seal with one made og machined nylon?
It's really common in old springers, whatever the reason...
ReplyDeleteAs for making a new seal? Why not? Can't hurt to try.
I use to shoot finishing nails out of my old springer.
ReplyDeleteIs there a good method to install the main spring or just enough strength?
ReplyDeleteAlways use a spring compressor, just makes it easier and safer.
ReplyDeletenick
Paul
ReplyDeleteI have just dismantled my ZVP and found it to be covered in a thick grease can anyone
tell if this is the norm, and do I need to regrease
Regards
Paul
It should be lightly oiled at most.
ReplyDeleteNick
Just aquaried 177.air pistol.34cm long
ReplyDeleteSpanish 1960.
Hi Group, acquired a ZVP s/n 12422. Screw in rear sight, not a ramp. The main spring chamber did not have a guide rod, just a spring, is that normal? Shoots accurate and strong. Original seals, what's their material? Thanks
ReplyDeleteYou should think about making a spring guide, it will help w/ smoothness. The seals on mine were leather.
ReplyDeleteNick
I bought a ZVP 50 years ago in grade 4 at school for $5.It was a kids older brothers gun.I installed a washer or bolt under the spring cap for more velocity . It came with a black leather holster and is still in mint condition.I still oil it up and shoot it every few years.Really a good gun.
ReplyDeleteI got ZVP with serial number 00794 so it's old :D but some fucking crackhead saw the barrel.. So it's like half of what it used to be. Trying to figure out how i cant make new front sight/crosshair (sry english isnt my native language). Wanna open iten completely and restore it but i get stuck with the goddamn trigger pin... its just doesnt move, tried WD40 and CRC ETC.. Its so fucking frustrating 🤣 ONE KFU KING PIN
ReplyDeleteTry heat maybe it was soft soldered in place or they used loctite, etc. Not too much heat maybe put the tip of a solering iron on each end for a minute, etc.
ReplyDeleteFound one of these when cleaning out the house of a relative who passed away. Seems to be in good shape but fires immediately when cocked without touching the trigger. Any idea what could cause this?
ReplyDeleteLack of spring, wear, dirt and detritus can all cause that.
ReplyDelete