Recovering/Rebuilding 43222

[Armstrong]

After seeing the corrosion on Mhorowit's plane, I decided I need to recover /rebuild my 46 BC12D. I looked in the logs, and it was last recoverd in 66.The fabric still tests fine but I have visions of cracked spars and rat rust.
It kills me to give up a summer of flying, but I want to start taking my 6 year old daughter up and I have to know whats in it.
I removed the tail surfaces today and striped one of the elevators.I was suprised how clean it was,(5lbs of dirt dauber nests though) just a little surface rust in a couple of small spots.
I am going to sand blast it my self, can any one recomend a type and grade of grit to use? Thanks, Rob

[N96337]

Re: Recovering/Rebuilding 43222

I've been using 70 grit, and have good luck with it. I commend you for your reasoning and decisions, and wish you luck with this project.
JH
PS... keep us posted here... lots of pictures!

[Armstrong]

Re: Recovering/Rebuilding 43222

Thanks N96337, I will post pictures.
I am sure I will find corrosion somewhere.
What epoxy primer do you recomend?
I have used this before and it was very tough, but I dont want to topcoat it. Can this be used right under the cover?http://www.wicksaircraft.com/catalog...356/index.html

The old zinc chromate primer protected ok, even though its been 40 years,I guess because its been hangerd all that time. I did notice that where ever the fabric glue touched the primer it was lifted a little though. Rob

[N96337]

Re: Recovering/Rebuilding 43222

If you're going to cover with Polyfiber, use their products from start to finish!! Whatever system you use, the procedure manual will call out specific products to use, and that's what you have for a choice. You also need to follow their instructions very close..if it says don't do this, then don't... if it says topcoat, then topcoat.. I've been around Polyfiber for a long time and it's great stuff... I've also used alot of AFS stuff, and it's good too. You can check them out at www.aircraftfinishing.com
JH

[Armstrong]

Re: Recovering/Rebuilding 43222

If you're going to cover with Polyfiber, use their products from start to finish!! Whatever system you use, the procedure manual will call out specific products to use, and that's what you have for a choice. You also need to follow their instructions very close..if it says don't do this, then don't... if it says topcoat, then topcoat.. I've been around Polyfiber for a long time and it's great stuff... I've also used alot of AFS stuff, and it's good too. You can check them out at www.aircraftfinishing.com
JH

Are there any advantages one has over the other?
And thanks, I really will take your advice on sticking with one process all the way. I read combining different processes is what did Steve Whittman in.

[crispy critter]

Re: Recovering/Rebuilding 43222

You are almost correct about Steve Whittman. He used buteryate dope to glue fabric to a wood covered wing and the buteryate without first using nitrate will not bond very well.He used the right system but skipped a step because a lot of people didn't like using the nitrate because is is said to be very flammable which is correct when your applying it but once it dries it's no more flamable then the fabric itself.
As for Polyfiber vs AFS.....cost for one.AFS is cheaper and also uses non-toxic chemicals,however AFS is still fairly new to most people and Polyfiber is very well proven.
Personally I like Superflite systems and Ceconite but that is just me.....to each his own.

[Armstrong]

Re: Recovering/Rebuilding 43222

I could only find the poly fiber manual at Wicks?, but both Wicks and Aircraft spruce carry poly fiber videos.
The aircraft Spruce one( EAA video) states it follows the polyfiber process all the way through: http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...d_sportair.php
or the wicks one( Ray Stits): http://www.wicksaircraft.com/catalog...321/index.html
Is one better than the other or are these the same video? And can you get these on DVD or just video?
Thanks ,Rob

[mhorowit]

Re: Recovering/Rebuilding 43222

Rob - Are you considering attending one of the covering workshops? - Mike

[Armstrong]

Re: Recovering/Rebuilding 43222

Rob - Are you considering attending one of the covering workshops? - Mike

Mike, yes I would if there were any around me. I am going to the next local EAA meeting and will see If anyone has a cover project they need some "help" with. I have a little bit of experience, but that was quite awhile ago. Rob

[mhorowit]

Re: Recovering/Rebuilding 43222

Mike, yes I would if there were any around me. I am going to the next local EAA meeting and will see If anyone has a cover project they need some "help" with. I have a little bit of experience, but that was quite awhile ago. Rob

Good approach - Mike

[jdoran]

Re: Recovering/Rebuilding 43222

I'm no expert, but I am a big believer in the Poly Fiber Epoxy primer. It seem to be bulletproof, and I fly on floats in Chesapeake Bay saltwater.

One tip, when you are curing the primer, bring the parts inside your house, don't leave them in the shed or garage. Tell your wife it is in the interest of safety. It really takes 7 days to fully cure at room temperature!!

If you try covering them before the week is up, the polytak glue will melt the primer. It's wierd, but wait the week, believe me.

John

[Armstrong]

Re: Recovering/Rebuilding 43222

Thanks for that one John. I will remember it.
Rob

[Wayne]

Re: Recovering/Rebuilding 43222

Try this website for Poly Fiber support and supplies. Jim and Dondi Miller run this business. Great people, a pleasure to do business with. They are always happy to take your phone calls and answer questions. http://www.aircrafttechsupport.com/

I am in the finishing stages of my restoration N43112 and I purchased all of my products from them.

[Armstrong]

Re: Recovering/Rebuilding 43222

Here are some pictures of my rear fuse. It looks clean ,no rust or damage.

[Jerry Ethier]

Re: Recovering/Rebuilding 43222

Rob, you raised the question of Grit# with regards to cleaning your airframe. As it seems no one has brought it up before, I'd like to mention that when I had my fuselage cleaned in 2000 the local company did it for me with Baking Soda (that's right, (Arm & Hammer). This system was demonstrated at a FAA safety mtg and they were very much OK with it. The upside: It leaves your tubing in like new condition (no frosting) with the shine and the alloy marks still visible. The spent soda turns to dust and washes away with water leaving only the paint and rust behind. Notice I didn't say wash down the fuselage with water. That can be done with a phosphoric acid like conversion coating before you prime. Ingersoll Rand used to market the system, at least the 50# bags of baking soda. Or, you could clean out the local supermarkets. There's no downside that I know of. Anyone? Jerry.