Leica M5 VF/RF to M1?

[Fuchs]

Hello. I happen to have a beyond repair M5 body, with a very nice VF/RF assembly, and also a nice battered but working M1.
As I am about to perform a complete CLA on the M1, and as its use is somewhat limited by the lack of RF, I thought of transplanting the M5's to the M1 body.
Does anyone know if they are compatible?
Thanks

 

[Techball]

It’s not, unless you are willing to redesign the housing to mate the two. At which point you won’t have a M1 anymore.

 

[Fuchs]

Hi Techball. By “housing” are you referring to the Camera top plate? As a matter of fact, I will be using the M1 top plate, which is identical to the M2’s, without the small metal plate that bears the “M1” logo.
The VF/RF assemblies between the M5 and the M2 are the same. I will post pictures of the process as soon as it advances.