Skin repair

MarkW · #1 10-20-2011, 06:32 AM

When I received my empennage, the r. elevator skin had a small fold on the trailing edge corner. Just enough to create a wrinkle. I kept building but am now about to close the trailing edge and figured if I could do a better repair, I would try. I used my seamers to try and get it flat but doesn't look good. Is there a good way to help reduce the damage? It's on the bottom so it is not critical but if there is something I can do, I would like to.
I have been thinking about using my back rivet plate and the flush rivet set in the gun but I didn't want to do more damage. Then I notice that is how Van's recommends folding the trim tab ends. So it couldn't do much damage.
What do you think? Sorry no pictures.

flion · #2 10-20-2011, 07:19 AM

My advice would be to leave it alone unless you plan to polish. An experienced body guy could probably fix it but your plan probably won't work. Try it with a piece of scrap - put a small crease in and then try to take it out using the plate and flush set.

larrynew · #3 10-20-2011, 08:20 AM

Mark,

I'm no body guy but I did have decent luck removing a recent ding from a dropped tungsten bucking bar in the fuselage. I placed the same offending bucking bar on the "outtie" part of the ding and very lightly tapped on the inside with a 5oz plastic dead blow hammer. Stanley makes them. I think I got it on Amazon. Worked well and I don't think it will be seen after paint.

MarkW · #4 10-21-2011, 05:53 AM

Thanks guys, I think I will leave this one alone and spend some time practicing for the next one.

Phil · #5 10-21-2011, 06:34 AM

Just a thought......

I'm not sure if your trailing edge has a wedged insert like the RV-10. It sounds like it does.

The plans call for you to proseal the wedge in place when you're closing it up. It might be possible to add a clamp while the proseal cures and turn the wrinkle into something that is a dip rather than a bump.

You can fill the dip with filler.

Phil