Custom m4 crane stock

[RATCHET]

I recently bought an M4 with a custom crane stock battery set-up. They ran the wire through a drilled hole in the back out and into the stock. I'm finding this to look kind fugly. I would like to somehow run the wire either through the buffer tube or back into the handguard. Any suggestions or directions? It's an AGM M4 and I think the crane stock is off of a KWA.
Thanks.

[RATCHET]

Heres some pictures for those that I know will request.

There appears to be a connector under all the tape:


The drilled hole:


The fuse:


How it enters the stock (I dont have the missing cover):


Stock comparison (I find the crane stock to be MUCH more comfortable):

[Drake]

How the Crane stock gets installed depends on the receiver; some are easier (or already set up for it) than others. If you have a regular TM-style receiver you need to cut an opening at the base of the stock post (the part the buffer tube slides onto) so wires can pass from inside the receiver and through the buffer tube.

Often you may also want to cut down the length of the post (G&P bodies for example have two types, one long and one short) so it doesn't interfere with larger batteries which have cells inside the buffer tube (otherwise you won't be able to fully collapse the stock).

Obviously space is limited so the fuse is another tricky issue. You may also want to switch to Deans plugs since they're physically smaller than Kyosho ("small" type) connectors.

Additional modifications to the butt-end of the buffer tube may also be required/desirable (for the wiring to pass without getting crushed or snagged; depends on the battery setup etc)

[RATCHET]

Originally Posted by Drake

How the Crane stock gets installed depends on the receiver; some are easier (or already set up for it) than others. If you have a regular TM-style receiver you need to cut an opening at the base of the stock post (the part the buffer tube slides onto) so wires can pass from inside the receiver and through the buffer tube.

Often you may also want to cut down the length of the post (G&P bodies for example have two types, one long and one short) so it doesn't interfere with larger batteries which have cells inside the buffer tube (otherwise you won't be able to fully collapse the stock).

Obviously space is limited so the fuse is another tricky issue. You may also want to switch to Deans plugs since they're physically smaller than Kyosho ("small" type) connectors.

Additional modifications to the butt-end of the buffer tube may also be required/desirable (for the wiring to pass without getting crushed or snagged; depends on the battery setup etc)

What should I do about the large washer in the buffer tube? I think that whoever did the job just slid a crane onto the existing buffer tube.

[Drake]

Originally Posted by RATCHET

What should I do about the large washer in the buffer tube? I think that whoever did the job just slid a crane onto the existing buffer tube.

You mean the plate with the hole drilled in it? (proper name is receiver end plate)

You may want to replace that. Some have a small half circle notch cut into them to allow space for the wiring.

There was a thread about this at one time. Edit: here, actually http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=6530

That's the basic idea.

Also, observe the following pic




Notice the notch on the bottom of the receiver end plate as well as the bottom of the washer (which holds the buffer tube to the stock) being cut off to allow space for the wires to go through.

[RATCHET]

Originally Posted by Drake

You mean the plate with the hole drilled in it? (proper name is receiver end plate)

You may want to replace that. Some have a small half circle notch cut into them to allow space for the wiring.

There was a thread about this at one time. Edit: here, actually http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=6530

That's the basic idea.

Also, observe the following pic




Notice the notch on the bottom of the receiver end plate as well as the bottom of the washer (which holds the buffer tube to the stock) being cut off to allow space for the wires to go through.

Are these parts difficult to find? The common places dont seem to carry them on their own.

[m102404]

Receiver end plates can be found separately...you can just file/dremel the cutout that you need for the wiring.

The cutout shouldn't be any bigger than it has to be...and it'll be hidden from view by the ring on the stock tube that butts up against it.

The stock tube needs to have a slot in it for the wiring...or else you have to run the wires into the receiver stub and then into the stock.

The "washer" (silver half moon piece in the bottom left of the pic) is the piece that clamps the stock tube to the receiver. The screw goes in and screws into the spring guide of the mechbox. I've never seen them for sale on their own..but you can use any washer (it doesn't have to be the cratered out shape like the one in the pic). The trick will be to find one (or make one) that just fits the inside of the stock tube.

From the end of the stock tube that butts up against the receiver...reach in with your finger and you'll feel a ridge that the washer sits on. The washer needs to fit on that.

You're going to have to ditch the fuse assembly, there won't be space for it...which means that you might be better off rewiring your mechbox completely.

If done right, you won't see any cuts/grooves/wires/etc...when it's all put together.

Best of luck,

Tys

[RATCHET]

I've been considering perhaps a fixed stock instead. Would that still work with the existing battery and wiring?

[RATCHET]

Originally Posted by RATCHET

I've been considering perhaps a fixed stock instead. Would that still work with the existing battery and wiring?

I've changed my mind again. I've decided to fork out more cash for a crane stock kit. I'll see what I can do with it and if I still have troubles I'll give you guys a shout. Thanks for the info tho.