Ithaca Lewis Restoration

[ssgross]

Looking up from the underside with the frame mounted to the stock, I can't see how it failed. Seems plenty of room. Then, before I glas my new block on top I decided to give a good soak this evening in a jar of acetone to get as much oil out of the end grain as I can. Big improvement after letting it sit for 4 hours or so. I mounted the frame again after letting it dry for a couple hours...and now I see it. The recoil nub is compressed, but the thin sidewalls had shriveled up greatly since the failure. Everything expanded slightly and things are tight. When I press to the rear, there appears to be some contact on the sidewalls, explaining the failure. Bedding the recoil nub with acraglas should fix it for another lifetime.

We will see how pretty the repair and refinishing turns out. Lots of dents that can be steamed out, but there are a few scrapes too deep to sand. My plan is to work the finish of the metal only until it matches the best condition of the stock I can get. The barrels are pretty much there now I think. Pitting underneath the frame has to go. One thing at a time.