No Primer build....

[YME]

After talking with different contributors on this forum, reviewing pros and cons of primed parts, and my local EAA Chapter input, I have decided to the unprimed assembly. As I live in Southern Nevada myself and others foresee no problems.

Now question is, do I wipe down all the parts with a cleaner (acetone, etc) after deburring where and when necessary and removing the blue film protector.

Thanks

[gasman]

No matter what you decide, the airframe will outlast you.....

[daveyator]

A wipe with IPA(not the beer kind) is probably a good idea. It will take off the red mill markings.
Cheers DaveH

[bkc3921]

Just finishing my 12is no-prime build, and I'm very happy I decided not to prime (with the exception, of course, of the parts required to be primed by the KAI...very few of them..)...I'm 68 and there is no way in hades the 12 will fall apart before I do.....

I also thing wiping is a good idea...I'm looking forward to a final wipe/clean before long...looking down that shiny tailcone is awesome!!... Almost like a silver C3PO...

[YME]

Thanks for everyones encouragement.

[YME]

Originally Posted by bkc3921

Just finishing my 12is no-prime build, and I'm very happy I decided not to prime (with the exception, of course, of the parts required to be primed by the KAI...very few of them..)...I'm 68 and there is no way in hades the 12 will fall apart before I do.....

I also thing wiping is a good idea...I'm looking forward to a final wipe/clean before long...looking down that shiny tailcone is awesome!!... Almost like a silver C3PO...

Brian,

What did you use for primer?

-Tom

[Brantel]

It’s everyone’s choice to make. I decided to do it on the three builds I have worked on.

I do it because:

• My hand oils and aluminum don’t get along and it is virtually impossible to keep my parts looking nice and shiny. Primer gets everything looking all the same consistent color again.
  
• Proper edge treatment and deburring will remove and scuff the Alclad and leave marks on the parts that get covered up by primer.
  
• Some impact to long term corrosion protection. Likely the plane will outlive me either way but someone can enjoy it long after I am gone.
  
• Airplanes tend to move to different geographical locations over time. My 7 went from humid East TN to the dry SLC Utah.
  
• I am a glutton for punishment. LOL

Feel good in your decision! You’re the only one that you have to make happy about to prime or not.

[bkc3921]

Originally Posted by YME

Brian,

What did you use for primer?

-Tom

Well, that is where I made a slight error...I used AZKO from Aircraft Spruce, which is a great product...but it's a two-part primer (two gallons total)...and then later decided not to prime, so I'm hip-deep in this somewhat expensive stuff.

There are so few parts in the -12 that require priming, I'll probably use the excess on an old car somewhere.. (sarcasm!)

If I were you, I would either try to buy a decent product in a smaller amount. You can even get self-etching primer in a rattle can, but I could not vouch for its quality. Again, at my age, I frankly don't give a hoot about priming. . No way the airframe will fail before I do, and I have no kids to leave it to....

[rmarshall234]

Lots of good info and you’ve already made your decision but this may provide additional comfort. Just annualed my 1956 G35 Bonanza and it spent the first 30 yrs of its life in the Midwest. Everything we decide not to do makes for a lighter empty weight and IMO something we should all strive for.

[YME]

Brian, Brian, Marshall,

Again thanks for input and confidence boost. I will probably use self-etching primer in a rattle can where needed.

Brantel, you bring up a good point about de-burring and proper edge treatment for example after cutting the skin for installation of the landing light. Could buy an Alodine pen or maybe I am again over thinking.