fabric envelopes???

[jgerard]

I am considering recovering my fuse this winter and have thought about using an envelope vs' the blanket method. I have only covered cub's before one with and one without the envelope. I prefer the blanket method but it does cost more. Just looking for some input. I will be using the Stits process and probably leave the fuse in silver until I recover the wings next year, then paint the color all at once. I am also considering the later F21/22 style large square rear windows and I need info on how to install them or can I just make my own frames to what ever size I want using AC43.13 as a guide? Would installing side windows be a major alteration?

Jason
N43643

[Dick Huish]

I have used envelopes on several ships and blanket on several more. I think you get a lot better job using the blanket. You don't have to chase seams and the finish is a lot neater. There is no way to hide the seams. It doesn't matter what process you use all the fabric is Dacron polyester. Dick

[paulnuss]

I'll add a big ditto on blankets as preferential to envelopes. As Dick said, the seams will haunt you as you shrink the fabric, they want to zig and zag everywhere but where you want them, and only a perfectly straight-linbe seam will look OK when you're done. And even better is no seam at all!

[Grant S. Bailey]

Well, I will be able to add my two cents in about a week. I am using an envelope and just streched it over the fuselage tonight. So far so good. Couldn't get much simpler. I am going to glue things down on the weekend, then start shrinking. I will let everyone know how it turns out.

[stormman]

I prefer the blanket method but it does cost more. Just looking for some input. I will be using the Stits process and probably leave the fuse in silver until

COST MORE? How?

[Grant S. Bailey]

Well I have now finished the fuselage and it is ready for the first brush coat of Poly-Brush. This is the first thing I have ever covered so I can't comment on the blanket method versus the envelope method. But I can say that the envelope method sure seemed to work good.

I have added some more pictures of my rebuild on the gallery (CFXSU rebuild). Hope to meet many of you in Alliance next weekend.

[jgerard]

I figure about $160 for enough yardage to cover the fuse ( 18 yards ?) vs. $90 for an envelope. Does anyone have the exact number of yards needed, or a layout diagram for how to cut the fabric with out wasting much? IF not I will make one up for all to use.

Jason
N43643

[jrzangger]

I believe I'm correct in stating the factory used the "blanket" method originally. I've only used envelopes on the wings and didn't like the slack at the trailing edge. I would cut out the trailing edge seam next time and glue the fabric instead. I don't see any advantage in a fuselage envelope due to the unsightly seams.

As far as costiing more, the side of the fuselage should include the vertical stabilizer, all in one piece with no seams. The fabric cut out above the fuselage can be used on control surfaces with little or no waste.

[stormman]

i will second the gentleman's from Iowa remark

[Wayne]

The blanket method is going to look better every time. The seams are very difficult to keep straight and has about 4 layers of fabric on each one. I have used envelopes on my airplane but if I were to start over there would no question I would use the blanket method. I can send you pictures of some seams if you like. It's not worth the cost savings.

[Wayne]

One more thing I forgot. Jim and Dondi Miller at Aircraft Technical Support are a great resource of information and your supplies for your project.

[ColoTCart]

Re: fabric envelopes???

We (Colorado Classic Aircraft 1-888-600-5222) can supply "single seam" envelopes for Taylorcraft as well as Cubs, Champs, Chiefs and Tripacers.
The bottom is covered as seperate piece either first (under the top portion) or last (over the top portion to facilitate repacement of the belly in rough field applications). The seam on the back is very straight and when you lay a 3" tape glued with PolyBrush on one inch of each edge and then shrink the center, it does a nice job of pulling the seam down and hiding it before the finish Brush coats are applied. We can supply envelopes in Ceconite or Polyfiber from proven patterns.