David-aviator
Well Known Member
Six or seven reports been filed on another thread on the problem of paint blisters over fuel tank rivets. I sent a summary of those reports to Van's in an attempt to determine what is causing the phenomenon. This is an on going issue that started on my airplane over 2 years ago. I thought I was alone with the problem but that is not true as others are seeing the same thing.
I believe Van's would like to solve the problem but they do not have enough data points to begin an investigation. This was essentially where we left it 2 years ago. What follows is a response from Gus Funnel today on the subject.
We don't have any info on the subject other than what you sent
here. Be assured that if we had an answer, we'd let you know. I
realize that may not satisfy those who believe Van's knows the whole
story, but keeps it locked in a safe with the really good instructions
for the sliding canopy.
These are anecdotal reports, not data that can be analysed. The
paint types and methods of prep and application are mostly
unknown. It references only 6 airplanes out of 4700+ flying, so the
sample is very small. Not all the airplanes are QBs. I guess what one
would like to see is a common thread to distinguish these from other
RVs. I don't see that any conclusion can be drawn from what we
have here, other than that apparently < 0.2% of RV builders have
problems with paint on tank rivets.
Vans
If there are just 6 airplanes out of some 4700+ flying, we have a problem. If there are more, we need to know about it and the circumstances in an effort to determine what is causing it. So, if you've got blisters over tank rivets, please report it.
Thanks.
David Domeier
Troy, Missouri
RV-7A N707DD
I believe Van's would like to solve the problem but they do not have enough data points to begin an investigation. This was essentially where we left it 2 years ago. What follows is a response from Gus Funnel today on the subject.
We don't have any info on the subject other than what you sent
here. Be assured that if we had an answer, we'd let you know. I
realize that may not satisfy those who believe Van's knows the whole
story, but keeps it locked in a safe with the really good instructions
for the sliding canopy.
These are anecdotal reports, not data that can be analysed. The
paint types and methods of prep and application are mostly
unknown. It references only 6 airplanes out of 4700+ flying, so the
sample is very small. Not all the airplanes are QBs. I guess what one
would like to see is a common thread to distinguish these from other
RVs. I don't see that any conclusion can be drawn from what we
have here, other than that apparently < 0.2% of RV builders have
problems with paint on tank rivets.
Vans
If there are just 6 airplanes out of some 4700+ flying, we have a problem. If there are more, we need to know about it and the circumstances in an effort to determine what is causing it. So, if you've got blisters over tank rivets, please report it.
Thanks.
David Domeier
Troy, Missouri
RV-7A N707DD