My Bren Tripod HAS Bulged Body Tubes!!!!

[42rocker]

Well, I stated in another thread that I bought several Bren tripods that need some work or "Lots of Loving" and lots of parts. This tripod is an interesting Mk1, BSA A1206 38. I bought it about how you see it. I cleaned it a little before I took the 1st pic. Also I added the "goose neck and it's parts" to keep the AA leg holding pin in.



Happy to say (with a thinner wallet) I have most of the items that it needs, BUT!! Look at those body tubes. Bulges, on both sides near the tripod head. What the heck??



Ok, I'm thinking it was repaired at some point in time. That idea works. A pair of bad bent body tubes. So replace and rework tubing, solder and back into the field it goes.

Wait a minute???? The (AA leg hold in pin) buttons are stuck out and 4 or more holes are missing?? What the heck!!





Look close at the end of the body tubes.. It's not the Saturday morning after. The tubes are "doubled".. Wait does this mean someone just changed out the body tubes and then shoved another tube (possible AA tube legs) up into everything for support or ?? The making of a Mk1* maybe? Or just repair work.. Minor note, I'm sure that this Bren tripod has seen service in at least 2 different countries militaries.

Well, what should I do? It's started as a Mk1, BSA A1206 38. It has a nice-looking serial number. A lot better than a lot of rusted out serial number areas that I've seen.



Thoughts??

1. Call it a day, add the needed items and just use it as is??

2. Get the drill out and drill 6 holes? 2 for the grip clip holes and then drill 2 holes through each side to release the AA pins so the pins can move and call it a day.

3. Go totally nuts and take everything apart and get the torch and try to de-solder the bulged areas and repair or replace the body tubes. Then solder everything back together and then drill the needed holes and have a very nice restored Mk1 tripod?? Then call it a day??

4. I know, give to someone else so I don't have to think about it. NOT! LOL

Review, review, review That's what I shall start to do. I have most of the needed parts no matter which way that I choose.

Of the 4 Bren (parts) tripod bodies that I bought from Sarco, 1 was a zb something, I'll post a thread on it another day. 1 just needs work and the other 2 tripods have 2 bulged body tubes near the tripod head. Only one has double tubes at the ends, this one.

Where I'm at right now as I review.





You are welcome to offer any thoughts on this project.... It just needs "a little Loving". Of course, I'm thinking #3 total rebuild.

The front leg is another project of its own. Need to finish 6 complete Mk1 style front legs. Only need spring and triangle handle bolt. I need to order some 1/2 BSF 2" long bolts and then make and weld a triangle handle to them and then make a spring for inside the handle. If anyone has or knows where I can buy so I don't have to make, please post the info in this thread or private message me.

Enjoy Life!

Later 42rocker

[Warren]

The most probable reason there are bulges in the tubes and legs is they all have small drain holes got water in them and froze.
Most tripods, unless in the wooden case of two were just disposed of into the scrap metal yards or stored outside for the dealer to pick them up.
Water got into the holes and FROZE...hence the bulge.
Not on Bren tripods, but I have tubes stored outside split three to four inches from water in the tube freezing.
added:
In addition, if there is a collar and welding both sides of the collar, it is a good chance the tripod has been demilled by cutting the pintle off and it has had a tube put on it and then welded to reactivate the dewatting.
A lot of US tripods were cut that way and rewatted.

[42rocker]

I said that I had 2 Bren tripods with Bulged or repaired body tubes.
Well, here is the other one.





BSA D 199 . 40

Might just leave this one as is. I only have two AA 2 piece pole setups.
Have a couple of Enfields I could use.

The repair work makes for a nice story anyway. Also less work. LOL

The making of a Mk1*.... Or not, let's see what tomorrow brings.

Later 42rocker