Aluminum Wing Repair

[Rick Iverson]

Gents;

One of my NEW front Al canards did not fare well in the move from Minnesota. I have pulled out the dents on the leading edge, but I cannot find anyone locally willing to TIG fill the valleys because of the skin thickness (this is SERIOUS Aerospace country - liability).

There is, however, a sandable filler that is used for powder coating. But I vaguely recall a post where powder coating wings where skins were epoxied to the ribs was not recommended.

I am not supremely confident my wing skin has been epoxied, I have no clue as to check, and I am unwilling to destroy a $280 wing experimenting.

Your counsel, please.

[Purple Frog]

Aero wise the top isn't too important.

But, that said, if you are into looks...

Bondo, and vinyl overlay. Presto. Looks good.

Vinyl on the other one to match...

Hobby Lobby has hundreds of colors of vinyl for wings.

[Rick Iverson]

……Bondo, and vinyl overlay. Presto. Looks good.

Brilliant. And probably would offer some protection against track FOD.

[phantomjock]

Brilliant. And probably would offer sone protection against track FOD.

For added protection - 3M makes a vinyl "protective" sheet - easily applied, cheap, and effective. Sample idea here:
https://www.amazon.com/3M-Scotchgard...-search&sr=8-4

I put it over the leading 12" of the nose on my SR and holds up very well. Can't speak to removing it though...

Cheers - Jim

[Rick Iverson]

For added protection - 3M makes a vinyl "protective" sheet - easily applied, cheap, and effective. Sample idea here:
https://www.amazon.com/3M-Scotchgard...-search&sr=8-4

I put it over the leading 12" of the nose on my SR and holds up very well. Can't speak to removing it though...

Cheers - Jim

Jim;

You are a plethora of good information. Let’s hook up for lunch in the near future.

[phantomjock]

Rick - In my best Fargo-an; "U-betcha!" Jim

[ejsprint30]

My spare was aluminum with leading edge damage. I repaired with bondo and vinyl wrapped.

[Rick Iverson]

Found this

[ejsprint30]

Looks like the right stuff...should have the air release system on the back side

[Rick Iverson]

Looks like the right stuff...should have the air release system on the back side

Air release system?

[ejsprint30]

Yes...the correct wrapping vinyl has a perforated backing that prevents air bubbles from developing during application.

If you buy on Ebay, in the description, they will specify it it has the air release or not.

ej

[S Lathrop]

This is my recommendation for Bondo like filling for airfoils ant other really quality parts; www.wicksaircraft.com/shop/superfil-epoxy-filler/ Light weight, great adhesion and easy to work and finish.

[Rick Iverson]

This is my recommendation for Bondo like filling for airfoils ant other really quality parts; www.wicksaircraft.com/shop/superfil-epoxy-filler/ Light weight, great adhesion and easy to work and finish.

Steve;

Thank you. Good stuff here.