Posted by dannparks on Sunday, October 29, 2006 @ 11:23 AM:
I am going to be recovering the flying surfaces next summer, but I would like to start getting some information together now. What covering systems are recommended? I got the manual on the HIPEC system and it seems to be made specifically for the non-ribstitched design of the RF4. Obviously the Stits system is the most well known, but how does it work without ribstitching? Has anyone used the HIPEC system or have any personal experience with it? Are there others I should look at?
Any other suggestions or recommendations about the recovering process?
Thanks,
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Posted by Admin on Sunday, October 29, 2006 @ 05:41 PM:
People seem to have very strong opinions on covering systems. It seems to be determined by the system they were first exposed to. - The baby duck syndrome. (The first thing a baby duck sees it assumes it is its mother and it loves it for ever more)
Bearing that in mind, I favor two systems: Stitts and Airtech. The Stitts process is very easy to apply and is light, especially if you used the approved light weight version of the system. This involves reducing the number of silver (Polyspray) coats and using white Polytone instead. I prefer to use Randolph Ranthane for the finishing coats. (This is now approved by Stitts) It is a lot easier to spray, 25% less expensive and has a finish that I particularly like. - Shiny, but not wet-look. I think it better suits an older aircraft.
When I want a very glossy finish, I prefer Airtech. It is almost as easy to apply but the Airtech paint is super glossy and really easy to spray. It also requires very few coats and so is less expensive than you would think.
I will be using Airtech on 4114 and 4116 when I recover them this winter.
http://www.airtechcoatings.com/
The adhesives supplied with either system should be fine for the wide cap-strips on the Fournier.
Steve
Posted by dannparks on Sunday, October 29, 2006 @ 09:46 PM:
Thanks for the reply. I'll check out the Airtec system. If you like Ranthane, I have some for sale. I was going to paint my RV-6A myself, and bought the paint. However, I ran out of time and energy and hired someone else to paint it and he used a different paint system. So I have 5 gallons of bright orange-yellow Ranthane and some red for trim -- plus all the prep and epoxy primer for an aluminum plane. You can see the color here http://www.cfiamerica.com/id8.html. The RV at the bottom. Sell cheap. I'd hate to see it go to waste.
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Posted by Collin on Sunday, October 29, 2006 @ 10:25 PM:
Hello,
Charlie Webber recovered his RF4D with HIPEC. I think he covered it in 1986. I will ask him. I know he is very happy with it. I hope he will join the forum soon. He has a lot of info on the RF4D. He has owned his since 1970.
BTW I had two great flights today.
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Posted by Admin on Monday, October 30, 2006 @ 07:21 AM:
As it happens, I do need some "M9501 AN orange yellow" to paint the Jungmann wings. Is that the color?
Steve
Posted by dannparks on Monday, October 30, 2006 @ 11:17 AM:
Yes, it is AN Orange Yellow. I can send you an email with details, or post in For Sale section of the board.
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Posted by Admin on Monday, October 30, 2006 @ 11:19 AM:
That is quite a coincidence Dan. Thank you. I'll email you off list.
Steve
Posted by jb92563 on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 @ 03:42 PM:
My RF4D has Hipec on the wings.
Its awesome and looks great if you want a glossy finish.
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