#Northernfox Build

[Northof49]

Congrats Keith
On your purchase and good luck
On your build, you won't be disappointed with oratex .

[tracstarr]

Just a few little updates.

I've secured my engine. I will be going with a 912is Sport factory new. Got a great deal on it (i think anyway) as it's an older model year. They jacked up the prices recently and no longer include exhaust/ring mounts.

I've also ordered from Kitfox all the additional bits I need/want as well as the FWF kit. Probably 6 weeks out on delivery there.

Ordered some Oratex samples - so need to make some decisions on color scheme.

Still working out my avionics situation but pretty sure going all Garmin.

[tracstarr]

The only progress right now is to report my engine has arrived! Going to crack open the crate tonight and marvel at it's shinyness.

[tracstarr]

I've been back and forth about making this post for various reasons, but it needs to be done because I need knowledge and experience of this group.

A few days after receiving my purchase of the uncompleted model 6, I noticed something suspicious in the paint that we had not when looking at it before the purchase. In hindsight I feel stupid for missing it (because as you will see it's more than the odd spot).

Anyway, be it lighting or the fact I was running my hand down all parts of the plane getting to know her, that I felt something odd. It wasn't smooth. And it was in more than one place. I noticed it first around some of the interior upper areas when sitting inside, and on further inspection it was apparent that the issue was rather large - as in many many places.

On initial inspection, the paint didn't look smooth, and you could feel it. It looked as if - dare i say - a really bad rust spot was painted over. My heart sank.

I took out the sander and started removing the paint (which was known to be done after the original owner purchased the kit). With little effort, the paint actually started to flake off in small thick pieces, reveling the original factory paint job (i'm assuming). Just in case, I also removed that layer to find what to me looks like perfectly good metal. No rust.

Now here's my concerns. There's a lot of this on the frame, and to be sure I feel that every area has to be cleaned and verified there is no hidden rust. I've done about 6-7 smaller areas and can confirm those are all ok. It appears that it's just a very poorly done paint job, and the bumps are uneven paint.

I've also found areas where there are bubbles and pressing them causes it to flake. Almost all of these areas are on the underside near the tail. But, it comes off so easy I don't see any other option but to remove the paint from all surfaces where fabric will need to be glued. But should I take it further and remove it from the entire frame? I'm not sure I would even consider it. Or should I?

I just feel deflated thinking about it. And not sure what direction I should take here. I've attached several images for clarity.

[jmodguy]

Might not be a bad idea to get it media blasted and repainted/powdercoated. The covering will be glued to the paint and you certainly don't want that coming loose!

[Ronin]

I second jmodguy's reply. Looks like to original owner tried to cover up chipped areas of powder-coating.

Leave it alone until your absolutely sure you don't have to weld a tab or a bracket on or remove one, then get it blasted and a fresh powder-coat done.

[Esser]

I know you’re not going to to like this answer but the fact that you are asking the question, I think you already know.

Get it sand blasted and coated. A shop will do it for you for a reasonable price. You’re still ahead on price of the kit over all and it’s cheap peace of mind.

[tracstarr]

You're right. I think that's the only reasonable solution here.

Now what about the tail ribs that have been attached on top of this paint job? Just rip them off and start over with new pieces?

The elevator and rudder were done prior to the additional powder coat, so those are fine.

Ugh, it just makes me feel defeated and I've not even really started.

As far as blasting, should I be looking for a shop that can do soda blasting or dry ice?

[jmodguy]

You might be able to "melt" the hysol. Most epoxy type adhesives can be softened with heat. The ply ribs can be cleaned up and re-used.
Or.... since your coating isnt sticking so well they may just pop off.
As for re-finishing your fuse etc, think positive - you can pick the color you want! Like Esser said, you are still ahead of the cost of buying new...