Early Gen Tippmann Model 98 Low Pressure RT Mods, Parts & Hardware Thread questions

[JonlookslikeJim]

Hello,

Long time paintballer new to this forum, I just picked up an old school m98 project and I have a few questions in regards to parts availability & mods for these markers. It has been quite a few years since I have had a Tippmann and I'm having trouble trying to source some potential upgrades that are no longer as common on eBay these days.

Does anyone happen to know of a site or personally have for sale m98 Delrin plastic venturi bolt(s)?
Are there any laminated wood (woodgrain) grips still available somewhere?


I'm also having trouble finding a ready made stainless steel hardware kit(s), does any one know the thread pitch and required length for the frame hardware? I seem to remember them being mostly one length and one or two longer ones.


Additionally, I did see an ACT (anti-chop technology) parts kit available on the fleabay for approx. $40. Are these older shells able to be retrofitted for anti chop with said kit or would I be better off purchasing a donor 98 custom ACT? It seems like the guide rail for the connecting rod on ACT shells is slightly different to accommodate the anti chop parts if I remember correctly.

Finally, I have had several gens of m98s over the years and I remember enjoying the ease of maintenance available with the newer style shell halves that are 3 piece instead of 2 piece. You know, the ones on the newer gen 98s customs & pro that allow you to service the bolt or rear grip areas independently without having to do a full teardown. Is there a write up on modifying a 2 piece shell for 3 piece? Or again, would I be better off with a donor shell? I have access to many cutting, grinding & finishing tools that would limit the difficulty for me.

Thanks for any help in regards to this paintball gun.

Jon

[jokers]

As far as bolts and other parts techt has a good amount, not sure if their antichop will work on an 98c or before.

[JonlookslikeJim]

does any one know the thread pitch and required length for the frame hardware?

The rear grip screws, those are 6-32 x 7/16" or 6-32 x 0.4375" they are a bit long and possibly rare, the more common 6-32 x 3/8" or 6-32 x 0.375" are adequate.

The body & velocity tube bolts are all 10-32 threads.



There is (1x) long bolt through the front grip thread and length: 10-32 x 1-1/4" or 10-32 x 1.25".


There are (5x) med length body bolts thread and legth:10-32 x 3/4" or 10-32 x 0.75".


***The button head bolts for valve tube are 10-32 x 5/16" or 10-32 x 0.3125" but this size may be hard to come by you may need to round up to 10-32 x 3/8" or 10-32 x 0.375". If you have to go with longer or shorter hardware than 5/16" do not over tighten. For shorter hardware use loc-tite on the threads, for longer hardware you may need to grind down the length slightly. ***

[JonlookslikeJim]

I did see an ACT (anti-chop technology) parts kit available for approx. $40. Are these older shells able to be retrofitted for anti chop with said kit or would I be better off purchasing a donor 98 custom ACT?

I found this YouTube Video for how to retrofit m98 non ACT with the available kit. It is a direct drop in for m98 shells.

*You may need to do some modifications to the hammer if running low pressure. (I.E. drill out to reduce weight of hammer)*
**Modifying your end cap may be necessary if not included or running rear cocking style bolt.**

ACT conversion adds an additional spring and pin to the rear of the hammer assembly that allows the bolt and hammer to disengage from each other momentarily in case of a misfeed to prevent ball chopping thus helping increase rof (rate of fire).

[JonlookslikeJim]

As far as bolts and other parts techt has a good amount, not sure if their antichop will work on an 98c or before.

Thanks for linking to techt It does seem that their venturi bolt for m98s are discontinued. But there are some other useful parts there: like cyclone kit mods, double trigger and different strength hammer & trigger springs.

[Euphie]

Hello,
Are there any laminated wood (woodgrain) grips still available somewhere?

http://www.exaltpaintball.com/category_s/1875.htm

Exalt makes two different wood grips, one in a charcoal color, the other a more brown color. I don't know how they compare to the old Smart Parts wood grips since I haven't used them.

https://mcsus.com/products/tacamo-ak47-wood-grip-set-for-tippmann-99

These ones look cheap, but if you want a wood front grip, that is the only one I know of.

[Fubarius]

Don't worry about the bolt. It's just too simple a part, a short length of plastic tube with an o-ring on the front, for any changes in the design to actually do anything noticeable.

The old SP wood grips have gotten rather collectible, with prices to match. But Exalt made some modern copies in a couple of colors.
https://www.ansgear.com/Exalt_Retro_...p-charcoal.htm

EDIT: Simultaneous post!!!

[JonlookslikeJim]

Thanks for the links Euphie & Fubarius, bookmarked! Some good options for possible build directions. Those budget front/rear wood grips would come in handy for a minimalist build. The Exalt options are looking great albeit pricey.

Swapping a wraparound grip for split style 45 rear grips can be favorable on these markers due to the split clamshell design. When split grips are coupled with the 3 piece clamshell m98 custom or custom pro body this can save quite a bit of time & trouble when having to do teardowns, plus adding ACT to reduce chances of ball break. Also for the grips, I'm sure there are other non woodgrain options that can fit the bill for a lower cost depending on build level and desired aesthetic.

I may be incorrect on ACT kit being "drop in" on these older m98 shells, upon closer inspection it seems like the connecting rod channel in the classic m98 would need grinding/sanding to match the hump of the ACT hammer/bolt connecting rod. The route that requires less modification would be to retrofit these internals to a later revision Tippmann 98 custom or custom pro body that already has the desired features.

[Myrkul]

I've used both the Tippmann ACT and the Tech T-Superbolt, and neither of them work as well. The best way to anti-chop your tippmann is to polish the internals & clam shell, set the IVG to all the way open, and then drop the lightest mad man drive spring in and adjust you velocity with an RVA. This set up will pinch D3fy paint if done right. if you are having trouble achieving velocity you can drop a lighter valve spring in as well.

Mad Man Springs:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/362964581056?hash=item54825ffac0:g:5icAAOSwedNei1MM

There is a decent RVA listed here, not sure if its actually in stock though:

http://www.allenpaintball.com/tippmann.html

Sand Paper:

https://www.amazon.com/Sandpaper-Automotive-Polishing-Furniture-BAISDY/dp/B07D2YYC11