Scored Vinyl in New Kit

FlyerJumper · #1 01-09-2006, 10:47 AM

This may be nothing, but I'm new to this, and after not seeing any signs of it on the parts on other builder's sites I thought I'd ask. While inventorying my Emp/Cone kit last night I noticed a bunch of the parts have score marks in the vinyl at the bend tangents. I'm not sure what caused them, but I peeled back the vinyl to see the effect on the aluminum underneath. Mostly, it appears to be concentrated adhesive making the marks (from the vinyl beeing squished/split?), but cleaning this away reveals some fine scratches (best case) and 'divots' in the metal (worst case).

Has anyone seen this before? I have contacted Van's and sent them the same pictures below. I'll post back when I hear something.

Just curious as to what others have experienced.

alpinelakespilot2000 · #2 01-09-2006, 10:52 AM

This was very common on each of my three sub-kits so far. Unless any scratches are deep, though, just make sure they get smoothed out as you build. If they are deep, I'd call Van's. So far I haven't had any that required replacement. Have fun!

jcoloccia · #3 01-09-2006, 11:16 AM

Ditto...I've had a few that looked a whole lot worse than that, a mangled piece of rudder leading edge, scratches, bends etc. I haven't had to return anything yet. All minor stuff, but far from "perfect", whatever that is. Touch-up with scotchbrite or a little tweak here an there to get stuff straight again fixed it all right up.

1911pilot · #4 01-09-2006, 11:48 AM

My 9 tail kit has been the same way.

FlyerJumper · #5 01-09-2006, 12:13 PM

Thanks for the reassurances. Just wanting to put my mind at ease.

I received a similar reply from Van's:

"Mark, This is very typical of the marks left by the press break.
Just smooth out any especially rough spots and carry on. No problems
structurally. van's"

N674P · #6 01-09-2006, 11:36 PM

I think I feel better now - I was worried about the "stretch marks" on the inside and outside radius of the flange/web bends. The 8 year old -6 emp kit doesn't have these marks, but the -9 emp I inventoried a few days ago does. I hope this is the sort of thing you're talking about... I'll buff them out as I go.
-Johnny