Halibrand magnesium quickchange question

I have the chance to buy an early Halibrand Culver city quickchange that the seller says is magnesium.

My question is how will I tell for sure that the quickchange is magnesium he also says the rear cover is aluminum not magnesium.

Help thanks!!

 

Mix-match cover & case is very common. Usually magnesium is a darker shade of grey, especially if it's sat around a while.

It's also lighter in weight then aluminum.

 

And it's LIGHT, even compared to aluminum.

 

By the way, you'll want to inspect thoroughly. If it has a major flaw like a crack, it might as well be shelf decoration.

 

Magnesium can be welded but it take very special skills to do it. Look for the dark gray finish.

 

Before buying any aluminum or magnesium quickie, open up the rear end and look at the pinon support area. If it is cracked it is most likely a wall hanger. Aluminum and magnesium CAN be repaired, but it is not easy..

While you are there, check the guts for a locker or a spool. A spool sucks for teh street, but you can score a nice goldtrack for 200-250 that will slip right in there.

Check out the over all health of teh ring/pinion assy and remember that if you have to replace the pinion bearings, you have to heat the housing and be real smooth about removel/installation. Its nice to find one that the pinion does not have to be fooled with.

Good luck and post lots of pics. -Abone.

 

Make sure you take a look around the drain plug for corriosion. I have a 301 case that was very badly corroded around the drain plug area. I believe it was becasue the plug was made of brass and the casing was aluminum. Simple electrolysis.

That cases couldnt be welded either. I had to fix it was an industrial epoxy, Belzona.

 

Thanks for all the help Gentlemen!!!

27

 

don't know this for sure, maybe someone else can validate but I've heard that putting a couple of drops of white vinegar will cause lots of bubbling on Magnesium. supposedly won't do this on aluminum. Might want to try it.