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Thread: Covering questions...

  1. #1
    Senior Member Geowitz's Avatar
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    Default Covering questions...

    Can't find the answers to these questions -

    1 - The capstrips on our wings are 1 inch wide. I have not been able to find 1 inch wide reinforcing tape for stitching. Do I run 2 - 1/2 inch reinforcing tapes next to each other to cover the cap?

    2- Also, the vert and horizontal stab ribs are pretty thin. Did you rib stich the stabs and if you did what size reinforcement tape did you use? The thinnest I see is 1/4 inch which seems too wide.

    3 - Using the stewart system, how much materials should I expect to need as far as the glue, filler/UV blocker, and paint in quarts or gallons?

  2. #2

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    Yes just run 2 1/2 strips. I am not sure if that is in the book but I can say it came form a very very very good source. We also did it on our plane and I would bet on it.

    I would bet on it being in the book also as the person who told us was a company person and we did't question them. We just did it, and they are very by the book.

    Also on part 2. Poly fiber highly encouraged us to rib-stitch the both vertical and horizontal. But we only did the horizontal, and hind-site we would not have. Done the Horizontal.

  3. #3
    Senior Member Dave S's Avatar
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    Default Re: Covering questions...

    George & Michael

    2 1/2" strips for the 1" capstrips - it's in the book

    Dave S

  4. #4
    Senior Member Dave S's Avatar
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    Default Re: Covering questions...

    George,

    Didn't finish typing the first time........I did not stitch the horizontal stab & vert stab - they are severely convex on both sides and the fabric pulls in real tight (that is if you have the airfoiled vertical stabilizer - if you don't have the airfoiled vertical stabilizer I would certainly ribstitch that part) I also ribstitched the elevator - that is flat on both sides.

    I would not use reinforcing tape any wider than the ribs - it'll pull dimples into the fabric. Sharp razor blade on the tape should take care of the roll of tape if it is too wide.

    In any case - I would follow the advice of the covering manufacturer - can't say that I have any experience with the stewart system.

    Dave S

  5. #5
    Super Moderator Av8r3400's Avatar
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    Default Re: Covering questions...

    I am also considering Stewarts on my 1200 rebuild (90% sure that is the way I will go).

    I spoke with them at Airventure last summer about covering my IV-1200. They have a material list needed to cover a Kitfox on file and can put together a "kit" to use their materials.
    Av8r3400
    Kitfox Model IV
    The Mangy Fox
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  6. #6

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    Default Re: Covering questions...

    I used Stewarts and am very pleased with the end results; first time builder as well.

    Lane
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  7. #7
    Senior Member t j's Avatar
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    Default Re: Covering questions...

    An easy method to cut nice narrow and straight reinforcing tapes for the horizontal: You need a flat piece of glass. Cut some reinforcing tapes into the lengths you need. Take the backing off the tape and stick it to the glass. Use a razor blade and a straight edge to cut it into the width you need. Peal the cut strips off the glass and stick them onto the horizontal ribs.

    I read about this after my plane was finished covering. I didn't stitch the tail feathers but I would have if I had known this method. It gives the plane that "Attention to detail by the builder" look.
    Tom Jones
    Classic 4 builder

  8. #8
    Super Moderator Av8r3400's Avatar
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    Default Re: Covering questions...

    lst-- That is a really nice looking cover job. I'd love to hear more about your experience good and bad with the Stewarts System.
    Av8r3400
    Kitfox Model IV
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  9. #9

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    Default Re: Covering questions...

    Something must have changed. I recovered my KF wing last year and had no problem getting 1" wide reinforcing tape. I got all my supplies locally from Spencers aircraft supply at Pierce County Airport, Graham, WA.

    Regarding Stewarts Systems, I just finished my Pacer wings and I used the following:

    1 Gal EkoFill ( have maybe 1 pint left )
    2 Quarts Glue ( have maybe 2 cups left )
    1 Gal Eko Poly ( have about 1 pint left )
    22 yards Ceconite ( have about 4 yards left, enough to do the flaps and ailerons )

    The Kitfox wings are almost the same length but a little narrower. I have a bunch of pictures on Flicker of the whole process.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/kitfoxscott/sets/

    I am very happy with Stewarts Systems. Worked well for me and was pretty straight forward.

  10. #10
    Senior Member Geowitz's Avatar
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    Default Re: Covering questions...

    Thanks for all the replies. I appreciate it very much!

    I'll keep a look out for 1 inch tape.

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