----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, December 25, 2003 7:16
PM
Subject: [FlyRotary] thrust angles, and
fiberglass question
Greetings,
I was continuing with my
cowl fitting today, and it's coming along fine. Attached is a picture of
the old cowl (before I violated it) that shows the mismatch that exists at the
rear of the spinner. This is about the same with the new cowl, but I
don't have a picture of that yet. These cowls are made with an
offset thrust angle built in, and of course it's opposite of what we
need.
My question for you
fiberglass masochists out there- What's the best way to fix this? On
BUC, I cut the front ring loose, repositioned it, and glassed over
it. I don't want to do that again. What I would like to do,
is use some sort of filler, putty, ???, to fill in the gap. What
substance would you recommend to use for this? Ideally, this will
be something thick, that can be molded in shape, then final sanded after it
hardens.
Hi,
Rusty....unfortunately, because both of the planes I built were fiberglass, I
have had some experience with problems such as these. Yours is really not that
difficult. I would suggest....rough up the face of the front ring, and
also continue around the sides for approx. 2 inches. Then glue a blue foam
block (I have some if you need it) to the front of the ring. Sand the
face until it is parallel with the back of your spinner. This will bring the
area that is now closest to the spinner back to glass, or 1/8 inch or less in
thickness of foam. You will have a circular wedge shaped piece of foam
left. Fair that into the outside edges of your existing cowl for a smooth,
flowing appearance. Then just apply 4 plies of the thin E-glass cloth (I
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
down to Mobile, AL and bring your cowling. Plan on spending about 4
hours here, and take it home finished. As far as cost....you can take a look
at my SQ2000 and see if I installed anything backwards or upside down, and
we'll call it even. The ball is in your court. Take care.
Paul Conner
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