Static Port MU

[BruceW]

Confession time. Wasnt paying attention for a moment while installing the upgraded Steinair static ports.
Yup, Messed Up and overtightened. Left a little lip around the hole in the side skin.
So, MU'd again and decided to flatten out the skin by tapping it with back rivet bucking bars.

That stretched the skin nicely and now I have a 1/16" x 2"+/- depression in the side skin. (see pic)
Yeah, I did EXACTLY the WRONG thing, TWICE! ARGH!!!
Swearing to start with, then sickness to the stomach, then total acceptance of stupidity.

So solutions seem limited. No way to shrink the skin back, so its ether 1) leave as is (horrible looking), or 2) use body filler to make flat again.
I wonder if any filler will delaminate later with any drumming of the skin. But probably, 'is what it is'.
I prefer epoxy resin with fillers rather than Super Fill, or other lightweight body filler.
But interested in what others have done on similar skin patches, and the long term durability.
Appreciate constructive advice on solutions.

 

[lipper03]

Massage it back a bit? A few taps with a wood blocks? Just to get a little out, so paint will take care of the rest? Just an idea, but I'm not a finishing expert at all.

 

[BruceW]

No more taps. The skin is stretched. It actually pops in and out. Unless there is a magic trick, Im thinking tapping will just stretch it some more.

 

[fl-mike]

https://flyboyaccessories.com/products/static-port-fittings-pair

 

[dan.gagnon85]

Could you make a larger static port flange from scrap aluminum, make it look intentional?

 

[Carl Froehlich]

Easy. Use a Scotchbrite pad to clean the surface. Put a piece of tap on the inside to cover the hole. Use micro balloons mixed with epoxy and a puddy knife to spread over the area. Leave very slightly proud of the surrounding skin. Sand flat. Drill the hole as needed to mount the static port. Prime the area.

This will last the life of the plane.

Do not cover any rivet heads - be proud of those rivets!
Carl

 

[bjdecker]

Apply dry ice to the depression, or spray a can of "Enddust" (or similar) turned upside down.

Both of these applications may shrink the material back a bit.

 

[BruceW]

Like the cold spray idea to shrink the skin back. Wonder if the skin will pop back when it warms up again.
In the end, will probably have to do the body filler. And I WILL look at the finished plane and see the Mess Up. (even thou no one else will)
THanks for the replies.

 

[FuturPilot]

I wish that was all I've done in my build.
This is what I'm using. Similar product to what the Airlines use (At least one of them, I still have some leftover)