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.30 Cal Ball Sockets
Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2015 8:03 pm
by DryMartini
We are currently looking into the cost of making .30 Cal ball socket mounts,
also known as K-3 and K-3A mounts. The difference is that the K-3As have a spring
loaded flap to help seal the socket opening from the airflow when the gun is not installed.
You have probably seen pictures of ball sockets, sans guns, with cloth draft excluder shoved into
the end.
So, the question is: Is anyone needing one/looking
to find one and might be interested in buying one
to help defray the manufacturing costs? Thought I'd
ask now while we were looking at how to do this
and are indeterminate on the number of assemblies.
Reply, PM, or call me (if you have my number) if interested.
Re: .30 Cal Ball Sockets
Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2015 10:52 am
by cvairwerks
Bill: Any idea as to how much difference is there between the K2A and K3A mounts? I'm on the lookout for a K2A for my Fairchild.
Re: .30 Cal Ball Sockets
Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2015 12:35 pm
by DryMartini
Well, no, I don't.
I'm operating off memory that Government Issue
part #42D5717 was a K-3A from something I read.
I have not seen anything about a K-2/K-2A, unless
I got my numbers wrong.
You have anything like a picture to compare against?
Re: .30 Cal Ball Sockets
Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2015 8:10 am
by cvairwerks
Bill: All I have is the info from Taigh in this thread, 4th post down:
http://www.warbirdinformationexchange.o ... p?p=360711
Re: .30 Cal Ball Sockets
Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2015 8:47 am
by DryMartini
I forgot all about that thread. OK, so we have a K2A, not a K3A.
The picture of Taigh's is exactly like the one we have to work from.
Therefore, these would work for you.
Where is my Staples button? "That was easy!"
Thanks, CV
Re: .30 Cal Ball Sockets
Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2015 10:54 am
by cvairwerks
Bill: You guys may have a K3. The part number on your drawing doesn't match any of the listed ones in the photos that Taigh provided....
I think your easy button barfed on your desk...
Re: .30 Cal Ball Sockets
Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2015 11:07 am
by DryMartini
His documentation says that the K3 was stamped.
Our ball mount is definitely cast.
The number came off the drawing, and it may be
that they specified a K3 as it was meant to replace the
K2. Engineers do that all the time regardless of whether
the replacement is available when they are doing the drawing.
If you don't want the wind flap, we can make a straight K2.
You'll have to provide the draft excluder. 
Re: .30 Cal Ball Sockets
Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2015 12:29 pm
by cvairwerks
The K3 series superseded the K2 series as direct replacements according to that one sheet. Depending on the cost estimate, I would be interested in a K2A. A well known, Florida based, purveyor of surplus hardware had a single K2A several years ago and offered it at $1500, fixed price.
Re: .30 Cal Ball Sockets
Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2015 9:06 pm
by DryMartini
OK, CV. I'll keep you informed as we progress on this.
Get some friends to want one, and it will cost less for us all.
Re: .30 Cal Ball Sockets
Posted: Fri May 15, 2015 5:37 am
by cvairwerks
Bill: any update on this aspect of the project?
Re: .30 Cal Ball Sockets
Posted: Fri May 15, 2015 7:04 am
by DryMartini
Still on simmer at this point.
I've had little external interest
in the ball sockets, and we've been
busy with radio room extrusion
and fitting procurement. I will
probably get back with the guy I
asked to look into it, and come up
with some cost estimates in the fall.
