flap paint protection / anti scuff tape

[Maxrate]

After doing several searches I have come up empty on a good alternative to the Vans supplied UHMW tape. Several threads mention a tape by 3M called RockBlocker, but 3M website doesn't recognize that name. What might be a good alternative to the standard tape sold by vans. I want to get something that won't discolor.

Thank's all,

[docskj]

Put the tape on the bottom side of the top skin where the flap will rub. That way, when the tape discolors, no one will see it.

[dpansier]

Vince, a Rocket builder, has the 3M protection film here:

http://www.flyboyaccessories.com/sto...oosfb727v869q4

[erich weaver]

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...ighlight=Erich

Here is a thread identifying another source that I think provides a few more options on the tape. I've had it on my flaps for about 3 years now (outside unfortunately) and it still looks great.

Erich

[scsmith]

The same thing that Erich mentioned. See his thread link.

You can buy just the length you need, it is easy to apply, and it looks great. After a full year, it looks like brand new except for the areas where there is some scuffing from the skin, and it is doing its job.

The instructions were complete, it was easy to do well. Highly recommended.

[Bob Axsom]

I put stainless steel tape on the flap and the plastic tape from Vans on the mating underside of the wing skin. That has worked well for me (7 years).

Bob Axsom

[Maxrate]

Thanks for the info and links gents.

[Neal@F14]

Putting the tape alone on the underside of the wing skin instead of the flap itself still lets the paint on the flap get scratched up pretty quickly because of tiny dirt particles getting trapped in there in between the flap and the tape. We found that one out the hard way.

[Ironflight]

Originally Posted by Neal@F14

Putting the tape alone on the underside of the wing skin instead of the flap itself still lets the paint on the flap get scratched up pretty quickly because of tiny dirt particles getting trapped in there in between the flap and the tape. We found that one out the hard way.

I concur with that. I recently changed out the five-year-old tape on my flaps because it had gotten brittle and yellowed. Took me a couple of hours - not bad for aircraft maintenance. I almost went with putting the new stuff under the wing skin, but then thought about the fact that all the scratches in the old tape were caused by grit - and if the tape under the skin got dirt in it, the scratches would be in the paint.

Others have had good experiences with the flap under the skin - I just throw this out there for your consideration...

Paul

[L.Adamson]

Originally Posted by Neal@F14

Putting the tape alone on the underside of the wing skin instead of the flap itself still lets the paint on the flap get scratched up pretty quickly because of tiny dirt particles getting trapped in there in between the flap and the tape. We found that one out the hard way.

For the same reasons, I've used this tape on the upper fuselage where the sliding canopy closes & rubs against. I've seen numerous RV's where the paint is scratched or rubbed off under the canopy.

L.Adamson --- RV6A