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-   -   Pre-made fibreglass? (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=184145)

Lufthans 06-30-2020 01:23 PM

Pre-made fibreglass?
 
Hi guys,

Working on making my new-to-me RV3 presentable. One thing where it could do with improvement (understatement) is in the tips of the tail. They were made according to the original plans - foam blocks, sanded in shape and then laid over with one very thin layer of fibreglass. All very nice, but the way these were done doesn't look all that great.

I was wondering if this is still the way these are done, or are pre-made tips available?

Thanks

Hans


bbsdad 06-30-2020 02:23 PM

Fiberglass
 
Looks to me that you have coroshion under the glass. So you may have a bigger problem then just looks. I would sand through that top layer and look round before ordering. You might have some sheatmetal repares needed, and it might be more efficient to build new. If you have coroshion there you probably have more outher places. Good luck.

David Paule 06-30-2020 02:28 PM

Premade tips were included with my 2012 kit. The part numbers are (I think - some of these numbers came from the plans):

E-313
HS-312
R-306
R-309
VS-308

These are for the elevator, horizontal stabilizer, rudder and vertical stabilizer. My VAF blog describes some of the issues I've had with getting the elevator tips and horizontal stabilizer tips to fit.

There are different rudder bottom tips depending on whether you want one to fit a tail light or not. I don't know the respective part numbers.

Dave

David Paule 06-30-2020 07:58 PM

My bottom rudder tip is marked R-309-W/O lite. I'd sent back one with the light mount.

Dave

Lufthans 07-02-2020 01:02 AM

Thanks guys.

So basically my options are to either make myself, or get crappy fitting stuff from Vans, which I'd have to modify myself anyway.

Guess I'll make some new ones myself then (and check for corrosion at the same time).

After making a carbon fiber body shell for this one (plus the rest of the car), how hard can it be? ;)



Thanks!

DanH 07-02-2020 06:20 AM

Hans, that's awesome! One off? Replica of something? I'm pretty jaded when it comes to cars, but that thing gets me excited.

Marc Bourget 07-02-2020 06:34 AM

If making your own, be particularly careful with regard to weight "gain".

It can influence flutter properties.

Lufthans 07-02-2020 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanH (Post 1443499)
Hans, that's awesome! One off? Replica of something? I'm pretty jaded when it comes to cars, but that thing gets me excited.

Thanks Dan,

Heavily inspired by 1950's Italian racers. It's got a Ferrari V12 engine in it. This is our prototype, we're hoping to start a small series production. Not easy at this point though, with potential customers not able to travel...

More pics here:

https://www.instagram.com/minottocars/

Lufthans 07-02-2020 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marc Bourget (Post 1443503)
If making your own, be particularly careful with regard to weight "gain".

It can influence flutter properties.

I'm on a mission to make mine the lightest O-320 powered -3B I can make it. Starting point was good with 750 lbs. Already been able to shed 18 lbs by replacing the boat anchor starter and generator with automotive units (and some bracketry). So yeah, I'll keep them light :-)

DanH 07-02-2020 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lufthans (Post 1443577)
Thanks Dan,

Heavily inspired by 1950's Italian racers. It's got a Ferrari V12 engine in it. This is our prototype, we're hoping to start a small series production. Not easy at this point though, with potential customers not able to travel...

Need a US distributor? I know about little about the car business...;)


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