Meade 127mm AR-5 refractor focuser upgrade question

[StarBru]

This is quite the lengthy tale, so please hang in there!

For years I've been wanting to upgrade my 5" refractor's stock focuser with a GSO 1:10 fine focus rotatable Crayford focuser, but was reluctant to spend the money needed: current price is $223 USD: for focuser ($155, AgenaAstro) and 5.125 inch adapter ring ($68, Scopestuff). Of course this upgrade is cheaper than most when compared to more deluxe focusers such as Moonlite, Baader, etc! But I have always operated on a shoestring budget whenever possible.
Last week, on another forum's classified section, I found and bought a used GSO focuser complete with Antares adapter ring to fit my scope for $110 delivered! I couldn't resist. It arrived this weekend and I removed the stock focuser, noticing the oddly long drawtube. I read where the factory focuser may require an extension when replaced with an upgraded focuser according to Scopestuff and a thread on another forum. IDK if I have one stashed somewhere? Guess I'll have to wait and see....

I removed the factory focuser and noticed tape around the end of the tube, apparently needed to fit the focuser flange tightly. The Antares adapter ring wouldn't fit onto the taped tube, so I removed the tape and cleaned off the residue with alcohol. Now the adapter ring fits perfectly but there are no threads on the adapter ring or the tube! The original focuser had threads for the screws in a one-piece casting made to fit behind the tube, so great idea there!

I'm thinking my best choice is to buy the correct size nuts to fit the screws to attach the adapter on the tube. Will it be okay to do that? Also, will I need washers?

[Lady Fraktor]

I assume the focuser adapter flange slips over the end of the telescope tube?
If there is no slop in the existing holes (assuming they are threaded) it should not be an issue using the original bolts.

[Bigzmey]

Does your white telescope tube has holes with threads?

[StarBru]

I assume the focuser adapter flange slips over the end of the telescope tube?
If there is no slop in the existing holes (assuming they are threaded) it should not be an issue using the original bolts.

Yes, the flange slips over the end of the tube. None of the holes are threaded!

[StarBru]

Does your white telescope tube has holes with threads?

Unfortunately, none of the holes have threads!

[StarBru]

The guy that sold it to me suggested I might use nuts or machine screws.

[Lady Fraktor]

You could do that, remove the focuser from the adapter to instal nuts inside. If doing that I would also place a bit of epoxy under the nuts to help hold them if you need to access the tube interior again.
Or you could drill the tube and flange holes to the same size and then tap threads in to the tube.

[StarBru]

Well, I went with the nuts. I still need to touch up the nuts with some flat black paint but I put it together for now and it looks great!

[Lady Fraktor]

A fine looking refractor Bruce!
I just received my Bresser Messier AR-127L f/9.4 this week.
Since Bresser used to be Meade Europe I wonder how much difference there is between our telescopes optically.

[StarBru]

A fine looking refractor Bruce!
I just received my Bresser Messier AR-127L f/9.4 this week.
Since Bresser used to be Meade Europe I wonder how much difference there is between our telescopes optically.

Thanks. Congrats on the new frac! I didn't know Bresser used to be Meade Europe, good to know! I would think yours is the same scope essentially, but hopefully upgraded a little. My lens cell is not the collimating one. I wish it was, but so far, it seems to be just fine.