Message

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Sent: Thursday, December 25, = 2003 7:16=20 PM

Subject: [FlyRotary] thrust = angles, and=20 fiberglass question

Greetings,

I was = continuing with my=20 cowl fitting today, and it's coming along fine. Attached is a = picture of=20 the old cowl (before I violated it) that shows the mismatch that = exists at the=20 rear of the spinner. This is about the same with the new cowl, = but I=20 don't have a picture of that yet. These cowls are made with = an=20 offset thrust angle built in, and of course it's opposite of what = we=20 need.

My question = for you=20 fiberglass masochists out there- What's the best way to fix = this? On=20 BUC, I cut the front ring loose, repositioned it, and glassed = over=20 it. I don't want to do that again. What I would like = to do,=20 is use some sort of filler, putty, ???, to fill in the gap. What = substance would you recommend to use for this? Ideally, = this will=20 be something thick, that can be molded in shape, then final sanded = after it=20 hardens.

Hi,=20 Rusty....unfortunately, because both of the planes I built were = fiberglass, I=20 have had some experience with problems such as these. Yours is really = not that=20 difficult. I would suggest....rough up the face of the front = ring, and=20 also continue around the sides for approx. 2 inches. Then glue a blue = foam=20 block (I have some if you need it) to the front of the ring. = Sand the=20 face until it is parallel with the back of your spinner. This will = bring the=20 area that is now closest to the spinner back to glass, or 1/8 inch or = less in=20 thickness of foam. You will have a circular wedge shaped piece = of foam=20 left. Fair that into the outside edges of your existing cowl for a = smooth,=20 flowing appearance. Then just apply 4 plies of the thin E-glass = cloth (I=20 also have some of that), over the new piece, let cure, sand smooth and = paint. That is how many cowlings are made.

Another = alternative.....drive on=20 down to Mobile, AL and bring your cowling. Plan on spending = about 4=20 hours here, and take it home finished. As far as cost....you can take = a look=20 at my SQ2000 and see if I installed anything backwards or upside down, = and=20 we'll call it even. The ball is in your court. Take = care. =20 Paul Conner

>> = Archive: =20 = http://lancaironline.net/lists/flyrotary/List.html
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