Building up cowling edge

[apatti]

Question for the fiberglass gurus...

I need to build up the front outboard edges of the cowling inlets on the bottom half a fair amount (about an inch). In order to make a more solid connection between the existing cowling edge and the area I am adding I am considering the following:

- cut a couple of slits along the edge to be built up perpindicular to the edge
- glass in to those slits short pieces of cut up hinge pin so that they protrude up into the area to added
- build up the area with cloth and epoxy/flox mixture
- sand even

Does this sound like it would help the new section grip and stay put?

Thanks,

[DanH]

Tony,
Best to post a picture illustrating what you want to do.

[N131RV]

Originally Posted by apatti

Question for the fiberglass gurus...

I need to build up the front outboard edges of the cowling inlets on the bottom half a fair amount (about an inch). In order to make a more solid connection between the existing cowling edge and the area I am adding I am considering the following:

- cut a couple of slits along the edge to be built up perpindicular to the edge
- glass in to those slits short pieces of cut up hinge pin so that they protrude up into the area to added
- build up the area with cloth and epoxy/flox mixture
- sand even

Does this sound like it would help the new section grip and stay put?

Thanks,

You need surface area to get good adhesion and strength. Easiest way to do this is to create a lap joint.

1/2" to 1" will be plenty of overlap. Simply create a lap joint by thinning the edge before you add your new material. It will be much stronger than a butt joint.

Just a suggestion.
YMMV.