Over the Thanksgiving weekend I finally finished my (second set of) flaps. The first time I built them I used a technique used by Synergy Air when installing the trailing edge wedges; i.e. I used Aeropoxy to glue the wedges in place and a 2x2 aluminum angle match drilled and clecoed to the trailing edge to hold it straight while it cured. This works well but is almost as messy as using fuel tank sealant. Therefore this time around on my second set of flaps I opted to try the expensive 3M tape that Van's recommends for this step. I don't know about the rest of you, but I was disappointed in the results. Even though I used the same 2x2 angle clecoed in every hole in the trailing edge to hold everything straight while the tape adhesive "cured" overnight, as soon as I removed the clecoes and started the double-flush riveting there were whole sections that popped loose. To say the least, I was disappointed in the results.
Now in fairness, my shop was pretty cold and my attempts at heating it were short lived so I'm wondering if the cold might have prevented the adhesive from working as well as it should. Anyone have any insight into whether this might be the case? And if it is temperature sensitive, what should it be for successful use?
Now in fairness, my shop was pretty cold and my attempts at heating it were short lived so I'm wondering if the cold might have prevented the adhesive from working as well as it should. Anyone have any insight into whether this might be the case? And if it is temperature sensitive, what should it be for successful use?