Paint Cracks

[sierrasplitter]

Do they allow access to the diagonal brace bolt that goes through the gas tank?

Yes , exactly .

[sierrasplitter]

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All holes are patched now . Two wing tip scuffs and one small rock through the bottom
of the elevator . Im learning a few things as I go . Like that small patch under the elevator . Should have cut a square hole instead of just putting a patch over a rip . As you can see in the pic tge rip will still be visible
But , we ain’t shooting for a Win at Oshkosh and sim sure there will be more rock hits in that area some zim
ok with the repair . Can’t see it anyway unless you crawl under the tail

[sierrasplitter]

After spraying the second coat of Silver yesterday I noticed an issue . Inside of one of the inspection rings the first layer of cloth is not bonding to the cloth below . It is limited to inside the ring so I think if I cut out the inspection hole before I paint my color coats I will be ok The lip of the ring and outside the ring are rock solid . A bit hard to see but those two ripple looking areas on the one on the left

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[tloes]

I had to do the same kind of ring repair on my bird a long time ago. When I cut out the fabric inside of the ring, I didn't actually remove the material. I slit it like pie or pizza slices then folded and glued the triangular remnants back over the "inside" of the hole. In my opinion, this ends up being more durable and less likely to delaminate.

[sierrasplitter]

I ended up cutting the hole . I was trying your method tloes but I had already painted silver on and the cloth wasn’t very flexible . I put the color on and I’m really happy .
If you had paid me to fix your plane you probably wouldn’t be happy ��.
But , having never done this and the fact I have a satin finish and It’s more an off airport than airshow plane , I’m smiling Proof will be 2-3 years of service . But at least I’m no longer afraid of the cloth

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[Steve Pierce]

The more you do, the more you learn and the more comfortable you get at it. Glad my daughter took to fabric 10 years ago. Not enough fabric people these days.

[Gilbert Pierce]

I think fabric work is one of the most rewarding skills I learned. You have that sense of accomplishment that makes SIERRASPLITER smile.

[Armstrong]

I agree Gilbert, I find fabric work to be almost therapeutic! I want to try the Stewart system to get away from the chemicals though.

And Sierrasplitter, I think too, that if you use the recessed, non-slip inspection covers in that area, they’ll stay put. It seems the worst of that damage in that area happens when you lose a cover in flight. Are there “bolt-through” certified covers out there? I’ve seen non-pma’d ones for exp.

Really nice looking plane by the way, I’ve been admiring it on the forum for a few years!!

[Jim]

Hi,

A #4 sheet metal screw in the covers front edge works well too.

[sierrasplitter]

Fly for an hour to test , mixed results
On the right side I had sanded over the rib stitching long ago and needed to put finishing tape over the two inboard ribs . I also did not cut out inspection holes , so the right side is great
The left side I didn’t sand the rib lacing but it had cracked so I used MEK to clean that area before paint . I can now see a bit of silver on sone of the stitching . I may have to go back and put finishing tape on those two ribs and paint again on that side .
I also cut the holes out on the left and tried those nice inspection covers with the two screws that are supposed to be better , well on my plane those still walk so ok screws for those
Still happy . Only problems now with one area instead of four
Here is a pic of what’s going on at the laces


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