Got a new set of black poly front furniture for my Romy AK.  The bottom handguard went on pretty smoothly with just a little trimming.  The upper handguard is a different story.  I held the gas tube and turned off the original wood piece.  It came off very easy.  When I tried to install the poly guard in reverse it became obvious that the front guard bearing surfaces are substantially different and would not allow the piece to be turned on.  Is it normal to have to trim this piece so much?

Mine was tight, too. Try putting the squared back edge of the gas tube (lightly!) in a vise, and applying a little oil the handguards/retainer surfaces. Better real tight than a little loose.

Thanks for the suggestion.  I broke out the old Dremel and trimmed the areas of the upper handguard which were different than the wood one that fits perfect.  After a little trim/fit, trim/fit it finally fit and looks great.  On the downside, I broke off the upperhand guard retention lever on the front site and had to order one from Numrich.  Hopefully it won't be too hard to install.  They are made from cast metal and once bent, cannot be bent back.  At least on the Romy's.