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Thread: Help please with flaperons

  1. #1
    Dave Holl's Avatar
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    Default Help please with flaperons

    Hope someone out there will be able to give me some advice, I am trying to remove the plastic covering on the flaperons on my MK7, I understand that this plastic is applied to protect the surface of the flapperon until it is painted, does anyone have any ideas of how to remove this covering?
    rgds
    Dave

  2. #2
    Senior Member Dorsal's Avatar
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    Default Re: Help please with flaperons

    How long has it been on? I took mine off after ~8 years and it was tough. I took a 2 inch dowel and rolled it off taking care not to dent the aluminum. Sorry to say it was a pita but didn't take too long.
    Dorsal ~~^~~
    Series 7 - Tri-Gear
    912 ULS Warp Drive

  3. #3
    Senior Member DanB's Avatar
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    Default Re: Help please with flaperons

    Dave,
    I happen to be in the same boat...ship...er...U-know
    I was told if the stuff won't come off easy enough, then use a paint stripper, HOWEVER, don't get it on the hinge areas or allow it to seep into the foam. I guess there is a foam inside? The paint stripper will disolve it. So easy does it. I'm going to do this to mine this evening and will report back.
    Dan B
    Mesa, AZ

  4. #4

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    Default Re: Help please with flaperons

    The best way to remove the vinyl covering is to soak rags in paint thinner/mineral spirits, lay the rags over the covering, and let the rags sit. In a few to several hours, the vinyl will bubble up and be easily stripped off the flaperons. Thanks to Lowell Fitt for this tip.
    Bruce Estes
    Classic 4, still building

  5. #5
    Super Moderator Mark's Avatar
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    Default Re: Help please with flaperons

    We just completed a set of flaperons at the factory that may have been around over ten years. We brushed on a gel type paint stripper with good success. It only has to sit for 10 to 15 minutes and the material bubbles up. Then you can lift it up using a soft plastic putty knife or rubber scraper. The stuff is caustic and I have to wear two pair of latex / nitrile gloves to keep it from burning the skin.

    The foam inside is the actual rib material. Also, the hinge bearing material is plastic. I don't know what the stripper will do to that either. If you get within an inch or so of the hinge slots, it's usually enough to lift the material up to the slot. When you prep for paint, look for tiny (pencil-tip sized) glue deposits on the flaperon skins. I had to sand several off with 400 grit.

    Good luck,
    Mark & Renee Smith
    Boise, ID
    "Build It ..."

  6. #6
    Dave Holl's Avatar
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    Default Re: Help please with flaperons

    I have tried soaking the surface in IPA and MEK but both not much good!
    Will try paint stripper/thiners today hopefully.
    will report back
    Dave

  7. #7
    Dave Holl's Avatar
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    Default Re: Help please with flaperons

    Mark
    Thanks for the info when I have a go with the paint stripper I will keep it well away from the foam and hinges, will mask the areas I dont want the stripper to get to so hopefully will be ok.
    rgds
    dave
    Dave Holl
    Building Kitfox MK7
    Rotax 912ULS

  8. #8
    Senior Member DanB's Avatar
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    Default Re: Help please with flaperons

    I did a trial and error with a spray product stripper...it turned out to be an error
    It was not caustic enough as it said the fumes were not as bad as other products...so don't be led down that path when you are looking at stuff in Homer.
    Back to the store for the paste that says ventilate well
    Dan B
    Mesa, AZ

  9. #9
    Agfoxflyer's Avatar
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    Default Re: Help please with flaperons

    For those who are storing flaperons for future use: I stored mine hanging on the wall of my shop for about 7 years. The side against the wall came off easily. The side exposed to light was a bear. So cover them up with something that doesn't transmit light. Might help down the road.
    David E.
    Woodstock, Georgia
    N97DE S5 TD Flying

    N97KE RV-9A Sold
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  10. #10
    Senior Member DanB's Avatar
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    Default Re: Help please with flaperons

    Here it is guys, I took a picture of a stripper and I gotta say...she worked good Picked her up in an isle at Home Depot but she doesn't work for free. About $23 will get you several stripping sessions, and the best part...each session lasts 15 minutes.

    stripper.jpg
    Dan B
    Mesa, AZ

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