There was a guy in Ohio... Cincinatti, I think that was doing build parties for these. I looked him up for/with VJJ a few months ago, but can't remember if he had retired or quit.
That's a Maxim, not a Vickers. Totally different animal, though not a totally different animal. I think VJJ just did a vickers.
I have one that is semi. Bought as a complete parts kit. That looks like an IMA display unit? They really pull the guts out of them... so you may be missing more than you think.
They are a hoot. Mine is Imperial (pre 1917) and has some battle scars for sure. Somewhere in Vintage are pictures of it and the Ski mount I built for it.
The conversion is involved. You will need a sideplate with denial blocks. You will need to cut a bolt group that is harder than woodpecker lips. And then create a disconnector, etc. that is no small matter. You also have to do things in a certain order or you'll end up going afoul of the regs. You will need access to a mill and carbide tools at a minimum. Drill press, surface grinder both help, but Mill can work in a pinch. Plus welding. Plus ability to hot set rivets.
But once it's running, they are great! They were greater when ammo was dirt cheap.
Last, I 'Think" Kiwi Restorations on the West Coast may do them. Great guys and great company. Not cheap, but damn their work is fine! Worth every cent. They only do them in batches, though. So you could get really fast turnaround. Or they may wait 18 months to start a batch. Chat with them about it.
Congrats on a cool project!
Sirhr
