Wing Root

02-29-2012, 02:30 PM

gderamel | Wing Root

Does anyone have a source for wing root T-strip molding? I want to get away from using silicon caulk.

02-29-2012, 03:52 PM

Mike | Default

I think Keith W does..... it's called white electrical tape and it actually L@@ks good and works...

02-29-2012, 04:17 PM

gderamel | Default

interesting; makes sense. does he still keep a bead of caulk in the join to 'cushion' the wing from the hull?

02-29-2012, 06:07 PM

Mike | Default

That i don't know..... I noticed the tape a few years ago and thought it was a good idea. Does it really give you more speed? Or is it there to keep the water out?

Keith where r u?

03-01-2012, 11:37 AM

gderamel | Default

Silly me... i forgot about McMaster-Carr. They have a T-Strip Push-in polyethylene trim.My concern is that it's too hard. I'd like something with some squishyness to it, like caulk.

03-01-2012, 07:15 PM

Fred Lohr | Default

i tried several different things to dress up that gap, which was a bit too wide on my plane, so that the white vinyl tape got pushed into the gap, tried a t strip but found the radius on the leading edge to small for this material to follow. then i tried caulk, but that looked bad. finally i copied an idea from another builder (might have been george) . Made my own t strip by putting that aluminum tape pushed down into the gap a 3/8 inch, extended it about two inches on each side of the gap. then waxed it, filled small gap with uni and made about a 1 1/2 in wide three ply layup. Then peeled it off and removed the aluminum tape and voila...my gap seals are about 1 1/2 inches wide but could be made less. the top piece wraps over the front leading edge and extends back about 8 inches. the bottom piece goes back from there. you could make it all one piece if you wanted but it seemd a little easier two sand and work on in two. fits like a glove and is held on with a little adhesive. No problem if the wing flexes a bit relative to fuselage.

03-01-2012, 08:08 PM

gderamel | Default

thanks fred! i think i get the concept... would you attached some pictures of what the finished product looks like?

03-02-2012, 10:34 AM

keithw | Wing Root

I dont put anything between the wing and fuselage, nothing!!!!! I believe that I put that nice even 1/8 th inch space (when I built the plane) to allow for the flexing etc. But I do cover (notice I say cover) the space with white 3M electrical tape. The tape is flexable enough to go around the leading edge of the wing/fuselage and on back under to the gear leg pocket. It lasts for a year or so and is so easly removed and replaced. The tape leaves a small amt of residu so when replacing I just take clean soft cloth and get a little 100 low lead out of the tank and clean it off. 15 min twice a year so. Cant beat it!!!! Hey gang the plane was awarded a BRONZE LINDY at Oshkosh in 2006 with my 3M tape on it. Keith Walljasper N80CC

03-02-2012, 12:34 PM

gderamel | Default

Thanks Keith. I'll give it a shot.

03-02-2012, 04:59 PM

Mike | Default

Keith you never cease to amaze me..........

03-04-2012, 09:01 AM

Tom Saccio | Wing root

I used a P shaped moulding. There are many different sizes. The wing needs to be separated from the fuselage in order to install it properly, but it works well. Tom