First look at the aileron

[mhorowit]

Re: First look at the aileron

We used scotchbrite pads to clean the aluminum in the Navy..

What would you use if you were cleaning a larger area? is there a chemical cleaner? - Mike

[mhorowit]

Re: First look at the aileron

Any place you remove corrosion on the aluminum I would prime at least with zinc chromate.
Winston

Winston - you wouldn't alodine prior to priming?- Mike

[mhorowit]

Re: First look at the aileron

Mike--I took both my ailerons completely apart
Ed

Ed - did you unstaple and unfold the trailing edge? - Mike

[alwaysoar]

Re: First look at the aileron

Hi Mike-No I didn't unfold and unstaple, but that's a good point. Corrosion could be rampant in the crease. In my case, I cleaned as best I could, blew the dust out, alodined. The only part of the trailing edge I found that looked problematic was where the tip bow is inserted and fastened. I was able to get into that area and clean it/ I had to weld on about 6-8" of tip bow where it was rusted out. I'd posted earlier that it was a big job, but it's very straight forward and not difficult--just takes time. Earlier you asked if you could just take the old spar as a template and drill new holes. Just be sure that it's the original. I found my old spars were copies and the holes were in the wrong place--after I'd drilled the holes! So, I had to start over. The other problem I had that I mentioned before was that I did not note the location of the ribs. I used the old leading edge and had to redrill for the screws-major PITA.
Ed

[mhorowit]

Name that screw!

Rob - here you go; 5/32" across the flats - Mike

I've been looking for an A/N noun for this screw; so far I can say 'screw, tapping, slotted hex head', but it does not appear in my references, being off because it does not have a washer-like shoulder.

Anyone have an acceptable substitute and how did you know it's acceptable? - Mike

[Winston L.]

Re: First look at the aileron

Winston - you wouldn't alodine prior to priming?- Mike

I haven't ever used alodine on a Taylorcraft except on new parts at the factory. It would be good for the leading edges and ribs on the aileron though.

[mhorowit]

Re: First look at the aileron

I haven't ever used alodine on a Taylorcraft except on new parts at the factory. It would be good for the leading edges and ribs on the aileron though.

Now this is interesting; could you balance "it would be good" against the amount of effort and expense/trouble involved in preping the metal, then alodining?
Granted, it would certainly be the very best way to go, but is it worth the effort??? Mike

PS - well, rereading, you have already answered my question. In your opinion alodining isn't going to make so much a difference that you'd do it, right?

[Winston L.]

Re: First look at the aileron

I have had good luck removing the corrosion and priming only on my own airplane.

Winston