Bubba is correct about the kits and the the Phillips head screws (a mid 1930s invention). Although TC provided brass slotted screws to finish up with, I personally like the way steel slotted screws look. And I do not believe brass screws were used that often, if at all, back in the day, though someone may prove me wrong. I have replaced all the brass screws on most of the TCs I have owned with fire blued slotted steel. Just prefer the look and find it an inexpensive visual upgrade.
Not many hard and fast rules for staying 1970s-1980s PC/HC. One thing with brass screws, you had better use the correct screwdriver and not over torque them. Easily damaged.
I may have called them fire blued, but in reality, I actually do a thin case hardening on them to toughen up the slots in the screw heads. At the other end of the spectrum, I made the mistake of removing a barrel under rib on a TC that the screws were so hard they crumbled into sharp shards of steel. Obviously missed the tempering process. TC had many challenges with their numerous suppliers over the years. Since that lesson, I draw those screws back.
Awesome refinish job! What finish/process did you use? I have a K model TC just like that I plan to refinish. Bought it last year at a pawn shop. Thanks!
Took a very aggressive zip strip to remove the varnish. I use a 75/25 mix truoil and old linseed hand rubbed in.
Never had one as far as I know, and judging by the thickness and hardness of the varnish that was applied at the factory.
There’s a seller on eBay that has new complete screw kits for TC Hawken.. 25 bucks is what I paid I think…. I’d love to have a Vincent someday
But mine is marked as Hawken and has a curved but plate.
