j frame grips

Yes and no...

When S&W introduced the J-frame it used the same size stocks as the earlier I-frame hand-ejector and .38 double-action top-breaks. I had a New Departure/Safety Hammerless .38 that someone had put a set of early pre-model 36 Chief Special stocks on, and they worked fine.

But later the company kept the same shape, but lengthened the handle about 1/8". These will still fit on the top-breaks, but you will need to make a new hole at the bottom for the pin that is there, and shorten the length a bit.

All this presumes that the stocks you have in mind are not the kind that have a filler in the front and just behind the trigger guard because the trigger guard on the J-frame is different then those on the top-breaks. You may also want to pick a pair that aren't checkered if you plan to cut them off at the bottom.

An alternative to all this is to glue a 1/8" strip of wood on each panel at the bottom, and leave the stocks as they are.

Dem grips tho!

Sounds like your project will turn out looking pretty sweet. Might I ask where ya got those grips from?