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05-11-2015, 08:52 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Hobbs, NM
Posts: 257
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Windscreen Fairing Alternative
I have noticed on several finished and flying RV's that the glassed fairing at the base of the windscreens is cracking. My Cessna has a strip of aluminum to fair the base of the windscreen. I was just wondering if anyone out there has tried any alternatives to "glassing" the windscreen fairing to the windscreen? If so, any pics? Likewise, are there any known ways to prevent the cracks from occurring?
The last RV I saw had a beautiful paint job and now cracks are forming at the base of the windscreen. I just want to put some thought into this as I am just about to start cutting the canopy.
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Ben
RV-7A Tip Up Airworthy on 12/20/2016
RV-10 Emp 95% complete - sold
RV-14A Empennage Done,
RV-14A Front Fuse kit Done
RV-14A Front/Rear Fuselage Joined!
RV-14A Fuselage waiting for finish kit items
RV-14A Wings in progress (ailerons and wingtips left.)
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05-11-2015, 09:08 PM
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 255
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I had similar cracks. In my case it appeared to be a result of using Poly Fibre Super Fil from Aircraft Spruce. It has all shrunk. Fortunately I didn't paint yet, but I would stay away from that product. It would be interesting to know if others with cracks also used it.
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Richard Talbot
RV-7A
Sydney, Australia
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05-11-2015, 09:39 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Ottawa, Ks
Posts: 2,525
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A few have done aluminum windscreen fairings, overall I thought they took less time than finishing the glasswork. Google "RV aluminum windscreen fairings," there is a good article in an old RVAitor about how to make them.
My version:
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RV 7 650 hours and counting
22’ donation done
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05-11-2015, 09:50 PM
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Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BC
Posts: 1,748
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I did aluminum. Worked out good. I'll try to find some pictures.
Bevan
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O-360-A1F6 (parallel valve) 180HP
Dual P-mags
Precision F.I. with AP purge valve
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Grand Rapids EFIS
Located in western Canada
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05-11-2015, 10:10 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Posts: 1,389
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rwtalbot
I had similar cracks. In my case it appeared to be a result of using Poly Fibre Super Fil from Aircraft Spruce. It has all shrunk. Fortunately I didn't paint yet, but I would stay away from that product. It would be interesting to know if others with cracks also used it.
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Hmmm... They claim it will not shrink or crack: http://www.polyfiber.com/epoxy/
I wonder if they have changed it since you used it. I am interested as I used it on my empennage tips and rear slider skirt.
Chris
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Chris Johnson
RV-9A - Done(ish) 4/5/16! Flying 4/7/16
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05-11-2015, 10:35 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Hobbs, NM
Posts: 257
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Looks nice, Crabandy! Did you use an English Wheel to do any forming?
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Ben
RV-7A Tip Up Airworthy on 12/20/2016
RV-10 Emp 95% complete - sold
RV-14A Empennage Done,
RV-14A Front Fuse kit Done
RV-14A Front/Rear Fuselage Joined!
RV-14A Fuselage waiting for finish kit items
RV-14A Wings in progress (ailerons and wingtips left.)
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05-11-2015, 10:46 PM
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 255
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Quote:
Originally Posted by YellowJacket RV9
Hmmm... They claim it will not shrink or crack: http://www.polyfiber.com/epoxy/
I wonder if they have changed it since you used it. I am interested as I used it on my empennage tips and rear slider skirt. |
They claimed that when I used it too. I may have had a bad batch. However, these days I only use West Systems and make my own.
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Richard Talbot
RV-7A
Sydney, Australia
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05-12-2015, 07:07 AM
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: 08A
Posts: 11,733
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Quote:
Originally Posted by drone_pilot
I have noticed on several finished and flying RV's that the glassed fairing at the base of the windscreens is cracking.
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Did you note the orientation of the cracks?
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Dan Horton
RV-8 SS
Barrett IO-390
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05-12-2015, 08:15 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Battleground
Posts: 4,564
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I chose to do all metal. I used an English Wheel to form them. I made the upper bow out of .040 for additional support when folks inadvertently brace themselves on it getting in and out.
I tried to avoid glass to metal joints on my airplane. If it is a plastic part, like a tip, there is a joint. Properly done fiberglass windscreen fairings look great and will stand up well. I still prefer to see the joint and if I was doing them in glass, I would make them a removable part, or have that appearance.
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Smart People do Stupid things all the time. I know, I've seen me do'em.
RV6 - Builder/Flying
Bucker Jungmann
Fiat G.46 -(restoration in progress, if I have enough life left in me)
RV1 - Proud Pilot.
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05-12-2015, 08:30 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Hobbs, NM
Posts: 257
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DanH
Did you note the orientation of the cracks?
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Hi Dan!
The cracks I have seen were lateral across the fuselage running parallel to front edge of the windscreen.
__________________
Ben
RV-7A Tip Up Airworthy on 12/20/2016
RV-10 Emp 95% complete - sold
RV-14A Empennage Done,
RV-14A Front Fuse kit Done
RV-14A Front/Rear Fuselage Joined!
RV-14A Fuselage waiting for finish kit items
RV-14A Wings in progress (ailerons and wingtips left.)
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