As promised, here's a full write up on on the Sanchez Machine square body I picked up from woouulf. Note: this is different than the body in my build log in the pump forum.
Build details:
Sanchez Machine square body kit
AKA sidewinder
DYE double slider
Shocktech valve
Inception Designs "Universal" hammer (slotted)
Cerakote Process: I contacted the folks over at Barefoot Customs for cerakote, asking for a "Crushed Orchid" base coat with "Stormtrooper White" splash over the top. The folks there were great to work with, got me a quote quickly and I packed up the parts and shipped them off. Contact was great from there, even asking for clarification on the style of splash, etc. Entire process took just a couple of weeks from initial contact to finishes product in my hands. Once I got the parts back in hand, I was impressed. They were able to get full coverage internal and external (as I requested, and yes, I inspected), the colors were great and the splash was awesome.
Assembly: This is where things got interesting, and I'm to blame. This was a raw, non-production body and kit. I did test assemble before sending out, and recall very tight tolerances. At the time, I didn't think anything of it. However, Cerakote is an additive process, whereas traditional annodizing is a subtractive process. After the cerakote, the VASA was nearly impossible to put on, the bolt wouldn't go down the breech, and the pump arm wouldn't slide into the pump handle to be secured. Again, my fault. In all reality, if I had anno'd the kit first then sent it out for cerakote, it would likely not have these tolerance issues. After a quick polish with some 2000 grit sandpaper, followed by a polishing pad (leftover from a headlight restoration kit), and things started to fit much better. The polishing didn't even remove the base layer of cerakote, it was the "splash" that had extra thickness that needed to be taken down.
Testing: Initially I assembled with a stock WGP brass valve, but ran into leaking issues. I couldn't nail it down between the valve body or the cup seal. Eventually I replaced it with a shocktech valve, which still leaked. I went up one size on the valve body and leak went away instantly. Not sure if it's a Sanchez thing, or just something with this body, but now it's air tight. I took it to the back yard to chrono and sweet spot, and it was super easy. Got the sidewinder locked in and she's shooting a pretty 275 +/- 5 due to paint inconsistency.
Conclusion: Overall, I'd definitely get another body cerakoted. The work is high quality, and the fitment issues are mostly on me. The other perk with cerakote is absolute color consistency, so if I ever want/need a different frame, or even barrel coated to match, it will be an exact match. The pump is a fantastic little shooter, and I can't wait to get my other body/kit back from ARC.
Build details:
Sanchez Machine square body kit
AKA sidewinder
DYE double slider
Shocktech valve
Inception Designs "Universal" hammer (slotted)
Cerakote Process: I contacted the folks over at Barefoot Customs for cerakote, asking for a "Crushed Orchid" base coat with "Stormtrooper White" splash over the top. The folks there were great to work with, got me a quote quickly and I packed up the parts and shipped them off. Contact was great from there, even asking for clarification on the style of splash, etc. Entire process took just a couple of weeks from initial contact to finishes product in my hands. Once I got the parts back in hand, I was impressed. They were able to get full coverage internal and external (as I requested, and yes, I inspected), the colors were great and the splash was awesome.
Assembly: This is where things got interesting, and I'm to blame. This was a raw, non-production body and kit. I did test assemble before sending out, and recall very tight tolerances. At the time, I didn't think anything of it. However, Cerakote is an additive process, whereas traditional annodizing is a subtractive process. After the cerakote, the VASA was nearly impossible to put on, the bolt wouldn't go down the breech, and the pump arm wouldn't slide into the pump handle to be secured. Again, my fault. In all reality, if I had anno'd the kit first then sent it out for cerakote, it would likely not have these tolerance issues. After a quick polish with some 2000 grit sandpaper, followed by a polishing pad (leftover from a headlight restoration kit), and things started to fit much better. The polishing didn't even remove the base layer of cerakote, it was the "splash" that had extra thickness that needed to be taken down.
Testing: Initially I assembled with a stock WGP brass valve, but ran into leaking issues. I couldn't nail it down between the valve body or the cup seal. Eventually I replaced it with a shocktech valve, which still leaked. I went up one size on the valve body and leak went away instantly. Not sure if it's a Sanchez thing, or just something with this body, but now it's air tight. I took it to the back yard to chrono and sweet spot, and it was super easy. Got the sidewinder locked in and she's shooting a pretty 275 +/- 5 due to paint inconsistency.
Conclusion: Overall, I'd definitely get another body cerakoted. The work is high quality, and the fitment issues are mostly on me. The other perk with cerakote is absolute color consistency, so if I ever want/need a different frame, or even barrel coated to match, it will be an exact match. The pump is a fantastic little shooter, and I can't wait to get my other body/kit back from ARC.
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