Notes for the Composite Components

 

 

 

COWLING COMPONENTS

The cowling components are fabricated using an ISO Polyester resin. The outside has a Polyester, sanding primer finish. There are varying amounts of mold release still adhering to this coating. The inside has been coated with a polyester primer to reduce the surface porosity of the fiberglass. This will help prevent the soaking of spilled oil or fuel into the surface. This feature has only been added to the latest parts fabricated. If you have and earlier version, it may be a good idea to do this your self 

All edges have been PRE-TRIMMED and will need detailing, especially near the front, where the upper and lower sections of the Cowling overlap. Most cowling components have minor cosmetic repairs on some of their edges. Most have been repaired then primed by brushing and can dealt with the same as the remainder of the surfaces

The outside surfaces will need a thorough sanding (I recommend 220 grit) and cleaning before the application of a primer, in preparation for the application of the finish paint. . There is a chance, that while sanding you may “break through” into small voids, needing filling as described.

Any minor detailing, such as pin holes, small voids etc. can be addressed, using standard automotive finishing products and techniques.

Sand and prepare them just like the rest of the cowling components

Note: Polyester primers, although great quality, should not be used on TOP OF EXISTING polyester paints or primers without proper testing of compatibility and adhesion. Polyesters can be “attacked” by other polyesters applied over existing layers of similar primers or paint.

 

WING FAIRINGS

The Fairing components are fabricated using an ISO Polyester resin. The outside has a Polyester, sanding primer finish. There are varying amounts of mold release still adhering to this coating. The inside may have been coated with a polyester primer to enhance the cosmetic appearance.

All edges have been PRE-TRIMMED ONLY ! and will need further trimming and fitting to your aircraft. There are some visible markings on the parts, to help with this task. It is recommended that you fit  the components for installation, before proceeding. The outside surfaces will need a thorough sanding and cleaning before the application of a primer, in preparation for the application of the finish paint. Any minor detailing, such as pin holes, small voids etc. can be addressed, using standard automotive finishing products and techniques.

See notes on paint / primer compatibility  at the cowling section.

 

WHEEL WELL COMPONENTS

These parts a made using Epoxy resin as the matrix. The molds, which were made by others, are lacking trim lines to define the finished sizes of the parts. Some of these parts were extremely difficult to laminate and some surface irregularities could not be avoided. We repaired most – but not all – of them. These “flaws” have no impact on the functionality of the items. Depending on you, further detailing may be required. If you do so, use a small rotary tool to roughen up any areas you want to improve, then fill and contour using an epoxy putty. After this has cured, sand and  finish. Any areas you may want to paint NEED A THOROUGH SANDING before proceeding with your finish coating applications.

 

"NUSTRINI" CANOPY SKIRT

This component has been fabricated using Epoxy resin as the matrix. The sandwich core is a semi structural foam, vacuum bagged into the mold then covered with another layer of fiberglass.

All edges have been PRE-TRIMMED ONLY ! and will need further trimming and fitting to your aircraft. There are some visible markings near the edges, to help with this task. It is recommended that you fit the skirt for installation before proceeding. The outside surfaces will need a thorough sanding and cleaning before the application of a primer, in preparation for the application of the finish paint. Any minor detailing, such as pin holes, which are likely to appear during sanding, can be addressed, using standard automotive finishing products and techniques. A primer should take care of most irregularities. Note: When applying the primer by spraying, it is likely that pin holes will not fill. I address these by either brushing or just rubbing with my finger.  I always sand before applying the finishing coat of paint.

SEATS

There may be some very minor voids in the areas of the fastener location and near the front cut out for the seat belt. These are of no structural consequence and need not be addressed. You may want to do a little hand sanding around the edges before installing the upholstery. DO NOT REDUCE THE DIMENSION OF THE “WEB” IN THE CORNERS OF THE SEAT TO THE BACK. Reducing the upturned sides and front of the seating area a little, is acceptable. There may be a visible scribe line on the insides of these upturned areas, below these you should NOT go.

 

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