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webmaster(at)flion.com
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 Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 6:10 am Post subject: skin dents |
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How to deal with skin dents? This may be an odd question coming from someone whose airframe is so far done, so let me give some background. I learned to rivet on my horizontal stabilizer. At the time, I was working for American International Airways and I got one of the IAs to come over and teach me. Predictably, I dented a few spots and was reassured that the dings were slight, not structural, and would be easily covered up. So, as I continued to build, the occasional ‘oops’ did not overly concern me; I got much better at avoiding them and even when they did occur they were less severe than my first ones.
Now fast forward to yesterday. I got a tech advisor to come out and look at my aircraft. He’s an 88 y.o. IA who knew of the RV-6A but was a little fuzzy on the details (he didn’t know the cowl was fiberglass or that piano hinge was used to attach it, for instance). But I respected his years of experience and followed his comments. Then he focused on the dents and said they would HAVE to be fixed; they looked like hell. When I asked how, he said I would have to cut out a circle from the skin, large enough to clear the affected rivet and its neighbors, and rivet in a patch. I was floored. By the way, he admitted, when I mentioned my teacher’s comments, that the damage was cosmetic, not structural, but still insisted that it needed to be fixed. Well, I’m horrified by the thought of putting 2”-3” holes in my skin and I have no idea how I would do it without damaging the structure underneath anyway. I haven’t looked in the AC yet to see what they recommend, but can this be right? My concerns are: doing more damage than good while trying to repair and also won’t the patches affect the integrity of the monocoque structure? I’m not dodging the fact that there are dings; there are about a couple dozen throughout the whole structure. But before I proceed, I want to know if I should get another tech advisor (he’s the only one near Flagstaff; I expect I’d have to get someone from Phoenix) or if he is right. Comments and opinions much appreciated.
Pat Kelley – RV-6A – Odd tasks while waiting for avionics.
[quote][b]
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denis.walsh(at)comcast.ne
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| Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 6:21 am Post subject: skin dents |
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Let me be the first to cry horseshit.
Get another opinion.
My dents now have 1970 hours.
Denis Walsh
On May 23, 2007, at 07:58 287230005, Patrick Kelley wrote:
| Quote: |
How to deal with skin dents? This may be an odd question coming from someone whose airframe is so far done, so let me give some background. I learned to rivet on my horizontal stabilizer. At the time, I was working for American International Airways and I got one of the IAs to come over and teach me. Predictably, I dented a few spots and was reassured that the dings were slight, not structural, and would be easily covered up. So, as I continued to build, the occasional ‘oops’ did not overly concern me; I got much better at avoiding them and even when they did occur they were less severe than my first ones.
Now fast forward to yesterday. I got a tech advisor to come out and look at my aircraft. He’s an 88 y.o. IA who knew of the RV-6A but was a little fuzzy on the details (he didn’t know the cowl was fiberglass or that piano hinge was used to attach it, for instance). But I respected his years of experience and followed his comments. Then he focused on the dents and said they would HAVE to be fixed; they looked like hell. When I asked how, he said I would have to cut out a circle from the skin, large enough to clear the affected rivet and its neighbors, and rivet in a patch. I was floored. By the way, he admitted, when I mentioned my teacher’s comments, that the damage was cosmetic, not structural, but still insisted that it needed to be fixed. Well, I’m horrified by the thought of putting 2”-3” holes in my skin and I have no idea how I would do it without damaging the structure underneath anyway. I haven’t looked in the AC yet to see what they recommend, but can this be right? My concerns are: doing more damage than good while trying to repair and also won’t the patches affect the integrity of the monocoque structure? I’m not dodging the fact that there are dings; there are about a couple dozen throughout the whole structure. But before I proceed, I want to know if I should get another tech advisor (he’s the only one near Flagstaff; I expect I’d have to get someone from Phoenix) or if he is right. Comments and opinions much appreciated.
Pat Kelley – RV-6A – Odd tasks while waiting for avionics.
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n616tb(at)btsapps.com
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| Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 6:24 am Post subject: skin dents |
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Patrick,
This is crazy! If they are indeed cosmetic, then you do NOT need to cut holes in your skins. I would just plan on filling them before paint if you like. You need a different tech counselor simply because he suggested this when he also admits they are cosmetic. If you have some that are more than just cosmetic the better choice is to replace the skin or add additional rivets to change the status to no longer less than cosmetic. If you find another accomplished builder in your area it would be sufficient I would think to replace the technical counselor.
My opinions of course.
Tim
RV-6 flying with a few rivet dings
From: owner-rv-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-rv-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Patrick Kelley
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2007 8:59 AM
To: rv-list(at)matronics.com
Subject: skin dents
How to deal with skin dents? This may be an odd question coming from someone whose airframe is so far done, so let me give some background. I learned to rivet on my horizontal stabilizer. At the time, I was working for American International Airways and I got one of the IAs to come over and teach me. Predictably, I dented a few spots and was reassured that the dings were slight, not structural, and would be easily covered up. So, as I continued to build, the occasional ‘oops’ did not overly concern me; I got much better at avoiding them and even when they did occur they were less severe than my first ones.
Now fast forward to yesterday. I got a tech advisor to come out and look at my aircraft. He’s an 88 y.o. IA who knew of the RV-6A but was a little fuzzy on the details (he didn’t know the cowl was fiberglass or that piano hinge was used to attach it, for instance). But I respected his years of experience and followed his comments. Then he focused on the dents and said they would HAVE to be fixed; they looked like hell. When I asked how, he said I would have to cut out a circle from the skin, large enough to clear the affected rivet and its neighbors, and rivet in a patch. I was floored. By the way, he admitted, when I mentioned my teacher’s comments, that the damage was cosmetic, not structural, but still insisted that it needed to be fixed. Well, I’m horrified by the thought of putting 2”-3” holes in my skin and I have no idea how I would do it without damaging the structure underneath anyway. I haven’t looked in the AC yet to see what they recommend, but can this be right? My concerns are: doing more damage than good while trying to repair and also won’t the patches affect the integrity of the monocoque structure? I’m not dodging the fact that there are dings; there are about a couple dozen throughout the whole structure. But before I proceed, I want to know if I should get another tech advisor (he’s the only one near Flagstaff; I expect I’d have to get someone from Phoenix) or if he is right. Comments and opinions much appreciated.
Pat Kelley – RV-6A – Odd tasks while waiting for avionics. | Quote: | | http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RV-List |
01234
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jpl(at)showpage.org
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| Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 6:49 am Post subject: skin dents |
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There's no way I'd mess with the structural integrity of the airframe to fix cosmetic problems. Bondo for the win?
-Joe
On May 23, 2007, at 8:58 AM, Patrick Kelley wrote:
| Quote: |
How to deal with skin dents? This may be an odd question coming from someone whose airframe is so far done, so let me give some background. I learned to rivet on my horizontal stabilizer. At the time, I was working for American International Airways and I got one of the IAs to come over and teach me. Predictably, I dented a few spots and was reassured that the dings were slight, not structural, and would be easily covered up. So, as I continued to build, the occasional ‘oops’ did not overly concern me; I got much better at avoiding them and even when they did occur they were less severe than my first ones.
Now fast forward to yesterday. I got a tech advisor to come out and look at my aircraft. He’s an 88 y.o. IA who knew of the RV-6A but was a little fuzzy on the details (he didn’t know the cowl was fiberglass or that piano hinge was used to attach it, for instance). But I respected his years of experience and followed his comments. Then he focused on the dents and said they would HAVE to be fixed; they looked like hell. When I asked how, he said I would have to cut out a circle from the skin, large enough to clear the affected rivet and its neighbors, and rivet in a patch. I was floored. By the way, he admitted, when I mentioned my teacher’s comments, that the damage was cosmetic, not structural, but still insisted that it needed to be fixed. Well, I’m horrified by the thought of putting 2”-3” holes in my skin and I have no idea how I would do it without damaging the structure underneath anyway. I haven’t looked in the AC yet to see what they recommend, but can this be right? My concerns are: doing more damage than good while trying to repair and also won’t the patches affect the integrity of the monocoque structure? I’m not dodging the fact that there are dings; there are about a couple dozen throughout the whole structure. But before I proceed, I want to know if I should get another tech advisor (he’s the only one near Flagstaff; I expect I’d have to get someone from Phoenix) or if he is right. Comments and opinions much appreciated.
Pat Kelley – RV-6A – Odd tasks while waiting for avionics.
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Bob Collins
Joined: 11 Mar 2006
Posts: 470
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
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| Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 6:51 am Post subject: skin dents |
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The words "have to" are the ones that concern me. Isn't a tech counselor advisory in nature?
do not archive
From: owner-rv-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-rv-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Denis Walsh
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2007 9:21 AM
To: rv-list(at)matronics.com
Subject: Re: skin dents
Let me be the first to cry horseshit.
Get another opinion.
My dents now have 1970 hours.
Denis Walsh
On May 23, 2007, at 07:58 287230005, Patrick Kelley wrote:
| Quote: |
How to deal with skin dents? This may be an odd question coming from someone whose airframe is so far done, so let me give some background. I learned to rivet on my horizontal stabilizer. At the time, I was working for American International Airways and I got one of the IAs to come over and teach me. Predictably, I dented a few spots and was reassured that the dings were slight, not structural, and would be easily covered up. So, as I continued to build, the occasional ‘oops’ did not overly concern me; I got much better at avoiding them and even when they did occur they were less severe than my first ones.
Now fast forward to yesterday. I got a tech advisor to come out and look at my aircraft. He’s an 88 y.o. IA who knew of the RV-6A but was a little fuzzy on the details (he didn’t know the cowl was fiberglass or that piano hinge was used to attach it, for instance). But I respected his years of experience and followed his comments. Then he focused on the dents and said they would HAVE to be fixed; they looked like hell. When I asked how, he said I would have to cut out a circle from the skin, large enough to clear the affected rivet and its neighbors, and rivet in a patch. I was floored. By the way, he admitted, when I mentioned my teacher’s comments, that the damage was cosmetic, not structural, but still insisted that it needed to be fixed. Well, I’m horrified by the thought of putting 2”-3” holes in my skin and I have no idea how I would do it without damaging the structure underneath anyway. I haven’t looked in the AC yet to see what they recommend, but can this be right? My concerns are: doing more damage than good while trying to repair and also won’t the patches affect the integrity of the monocoque structure? I’m not dodging the fact that there are dings; there are about a couple dozen throughout the whole structure. But before I proceed, I want to know if I should get another tech advisor (he’s the only one near Flagstaff; I expect I’d have to get someone from Phoenix) or if he is right. Comments and opinions much appreciated.
Pat Kelley – RV-6A – Odd tasks while waiting for avionics.
[b]
href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RV-List">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RV-List
href="http://forums.matronics.com">http://forums.matronics.com
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St. Paul, Minn.
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skydive80020(at)yahoo.com
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| Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 7:00 am Post subject: skin dents |
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Pat, most of us have a few dings in our rivet work and most are cosmetic. I can't give firm advice without seeing the dings in person, but, if they don't have sharp bends that likely could start worrying they probably are cosmetic. I can't imagine why the advice was they are cosmetic but must be repaired. I think his advice is based upon certified aircraft. Have a tech counselor or two look at your work and offer thier opinion. I would be surprised if they require the major rework you mentioned.
Mark Phipps, N242RP, flying RV6A, "Gypsy Spirit"
Patrick Kelley <webmaster(at)flion.com> wrote:
| Quote: | <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> st1\:*{behavior:url(#default#ieooui) } How to deal with skin dents? This may be an odd question coming from someone whose airframe is so far done, so let me give some background. I learned to rivet on my horizontal stabilizer. At the time, I was working for American International Airways and I got one of the IAs to come over and teach me. Predictably, I dented a few spots and was reassured that the dings were slight, not structural, and would be easily covered up. So, as I continued to build, the occasional ‘oops’ did not overly concern me; I got much better at avoiding them and even when they did occur they were less severe than my first ones.
Now fast forward to yesterday. I got a tech advisor to come out and look at my aircraft. He’s an 88 y.o. IA who knew of the RV-6A but was a little fuzzy on the details (he didn’t know the cowl was fiberglass or that piano hinge was used to attach it, for instance). But I respected his years of experience and followed his comments. Then he focused on the dents and said they would HAVE to be fixed; they looked like hell. When I asked how, he said I would have to cut out a circle from the skin, large enough to clear the affected rivet and its neighbors, and rivet in a patch. I was floored. By the way, he admitted, when I mentioned my teacher’s comments, that the damage was cosmetic, not structural, but still insisted that it needed to be fixed. Well, I’m horrified by the thought of putting 2”-3” holes in my skin and I have no idea how I would do it without damaging the structure underneath anyway. I haven’t looked in the AC yet to see what they recommend, but can this be right? My concerns are: doing more damage than good while trying to repair and also won’t the patches affect the integrity of the monocoque structure? I’m not dodging the fact that there are dings; there are about a couple dozen throughout the whole structure. But before I proceed, I want to know if I should get another tech advisor (he’s the only one near <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Flagstaff; I expect I’d have to get someone from Phoenix) or if he is right. Comments and opinions much appreciated.
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Shape Yahoo! in your own image. Join our Network Research Panel today! http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=48517/*http://surveylink.yahoo.com/gmrs/yahoo_panel_invite.asp?a=7 hot CTA = Join our Network Research Panel [quote][b]
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jmsears(at)adelphia.net
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| Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 7:11 am Post subject: skin dents |
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Yes, we tech counselors only give advice. It's up to the builder to follow our advice, or not. I agree with the others on this one. If in doubt, get another opinion. The DAR would be the one to worry about when it comes to mandatory fixes, if needed.
I see this Tech Couselor holds a A&P with IA. At 88, does he still practice his trade? If not, he may have forgotten a few things, along the way. The TC I had look at my project hadn't done metal work for many years and didn't give much useful advice. Since your teacher was also an IA holder, I'd be looking more at that one's advice. I'm not an A&P and would not risk the skin strength to put patches there. For that matter, if you put flush patches in, you'll mess up the way the skin lays on the spars. Not good, either.
I have a few dings of my own in my -7A project. You can betcha they'll remain as is. 
Jim Sears in KY
EAA Tech Counselor
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webmaster(at)flion.com
Guest
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| Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 7:35 am Post subject: skin dents |
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Thanks to all who’ve replied. I feel much better. I will go for a second opinion just to be sure (not to say you guys aren’t great but a pair of eyes on the problem would have to be better than my verbal description.) Any RV owners/Tech Advisors wanting an excuse to fly to Flagstaff out there? Test your landing/takeoff performance at 7000’? I’d like to be sure that the next guy who looks at my plane knows what I’m doing.
Pat Kelley – RV-6A
[quote][b]
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n1cxo320(at)salidaco.com
Guest
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| Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 8:14 am Post subject: skin dents |
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Get some two part filler - its either Miracle Fill or Super Fill, I forget which...it will absolutely stick and you can fill the dents, sand them and then paint over.....I did this 12-years ago on my RV6A and none of the fill ever came loose....whatever you do DO NOT use Bondo...it WILL crack.
Don't cut those holes...that's really crazy
John
Patrick Kelley wrote: [quote] st1\:*{behavior:url(#default#ieooui) } <![endif]-->
Thanks to all who’ve replied. I feel much better. I will go for a second opinion just to be sure (not to say you guys aren’t great but a pair of eyes on the problem would have to be better than my verbal description.) Any RV owners/Tech Advisors wanting an excuse to fly to Flagstaff out there? Test your landing/takeoff performance at 7000’? I’d like to be sure that the next guy who looks at my plane knows what I’m doing.
Pat Kelley – RV-6A
[b]
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carlosh(at)sec-engr.com
Guest
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| Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 8:31 am Post subject: skin dents |
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Patrick Kelley wrote:
| Quote: |
Thanks to all who’ve replied. I feel much better. I will go for a
second opinion just to be sure (not to say you guys aren’t great but a
pair of eyes on the problem would have to be better than my verbal
description.) Any RV owners/Tech Advisors wanting an excuse to fly to
Flagstaff out there? Test your landing/takeoff performance at 7000’?
I’d like to be sure that the next guy who looks at my plane knows what
I’m doing.
Pat Kelley – RV-6A
*
*
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pat,
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Try Ron Smith. He lives in Goodyear, AZ (623) 935-5676. He has a bunch
of experience with RV construction ( 4, 6, 7, 8's) and built and flies a
6A also. He's my tech while I'm building my 7A. He's 71 but don't let
that bother you. He's a sharp minded individual.
Carlos in AZ
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Ed Anderson
Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 475
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| Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 8:42 am Post subject: skin dents |
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Don't do it. If the ding is only cosmetic - cover it and live with it. I attempted to fix a ding in my aileron skin - ended up work hardening and cracking it. Then put a patch in following the standard A&P practice you described. With all the rivets, it ended up looking like someone had patched where a 75mm round went through a Sherman tank. Bound to have affected the weight and balance as well. I ended up trashing that one and building a new aileron.
So don't do it. Not necessary and sure not pretty.
Ed
Ed Anderson
Rv-6A N494BW Rotary Powered
Matthews, NC
eanderson(at)carolina.rr.com (eanderson(at)carolina.rr.com)
http://members.cox.net/rogersda/rotary/configs.htm#N494BW
http://www.dmack.net/mazda/index.html
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Dale Ensing
Joined: 11 Jan 2006
Posts: 571
Location: Aero Plantation Weddington NC
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| Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 8:57 am Post subject: skin dents |
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Pat,
as others have said... do not cut the skins to repair cosmetic flaws. I too had a few and intended to fill them with an epoxy putty made with a sandable filler. When I decided to have the plane painted by a professional aircraft paint shop, I talked to the owner about doing this and he said to let them do it. They use a material called Piranha Putty. In one case, where I dropped a bucking bar into the inside of the leading edge of the wing, they took a blunt punch and made an "inside" dent out of the "outside" dent and the filled the dent and sanded it smooth. This was all done with the approval of their in-house A&P mechanic.
I am going to the paint shop tomorrow and will try to remember to ask them about the source of the Piranha Putty and pass it along to you.
Dale Ensing
RV-6A
EAA Tech Councilor and Flight Advisor
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RV-6A
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Rick Galati
Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 91
Location: Lake St. Louis MO.
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| Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 12:12 pm Post subject: skin dents |
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Pat,
Your TC meant well. If the "dents" are indeed cosmetic they can be dealt with later. Without a close up inspection or at least pictures and actual locations, it is impossible for anyone here to offer anything more than generic advice. We all have a different interpretation of what is "cosmetic." I know some builders will accept a poor level of craftsmanship from themselves that other builders would never think to tolerate. Similarly, a given individual's idea of damage can be a relative thing compared to the perception of the next guy. Your post seemed to convey that the TC seemed especially alarmed and I suspect some of the dents may have exceeded what most casual observers would normally consider to be cosmetic. As an active TC, I can assure you our services are advisory in nature and no authority exists to make you do anything. That is not what we do. Eventually however, your RV will be subject to a more formal inspection by the FAA or its designee to acquire its airworthiness certificate. Perhaps your TC knows something about the practices of your local FSDO or DAR that we don't. In any event, get a second or even third opinion. Good luck.
Rick Galati RV-6A "Darla!"
RV-8 Fuselage
[quote][b]
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webmaster(at)flion.com
Guest
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| Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 1:11 pm Post subject: skin dents |
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That’s somewhat my feeling, too. Others have looked at the plane and not commented about the quality of riveting, so I was somewhat surprised – but even more by the suggested repair method. However, if he is right I need to know; I am very aware that I am a novice builder. And, conversely, if he is wrong I need to know that as well. Your advice of getting a second on-site inspection is already being planned, as soon as I can locate another TC.
PatK
From: owner-rv-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-rv-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Rick Galati
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2007 1:11 PM
To: rv-list(at)matronics.com
Subject: RE: skin dents
Pat,
Your TC meant well. If the "dents" are indeed cosmetic they can be dealt with later. Without a close up inspection or at least pictures and actual locations, it is impossible for anyone here to offer anything more than generic advice. We all have a different interpretation of what is "cosmetic." I know some builders will accept a poor level of craftsmanship from themselves that other builders would never think to tolerate. Similarly, a given individual's idea of damage can be a relative thing compared to the perception of the next guy. Your post seemed to convey that the TC seemed especially alarmed and I suspect some of the dents may have exceeded what most casual observers would normally consider to be cosmetic. As an active TC, I can assure you our services are advisory in nature and no authority exists to make you do anything. That is not what we do. Eventually however, your RV will be subject to a more formal inspection by the FAA or its designee to acquire its airworthiness certificate. Perhaps your TC knows something about the practices of your local FSDO or DAR that we don't. In any event, get a second or even third opinion. Good luck.
Rick Galati RV-6A "Darla!"
RV-8 Fuselage
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01234
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Terry Watson
Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 290
Location: Seattle, WA USA
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| Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 1:59 pm Post subject: skin dents |
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Pat,
I remember when I was getting started on my RV-8A project one of the most difficult aspects was to try to understand the quality level required. It became obvious that “Perfect” was going to be a rare occurrence, but the difference between acceptable and not acceptable was and sometimes still is difficult for my novice eye to distinguish. In making that distinction I would suggest that you keep in mind that structural or mechanical or electrical integrity is far more important than esthetics.
I remember reading that Japanese art sometimes includes an obvious imperfection in order to avoid the pretense of perfection and therefore insult the gods. My airplane will require no such intentional imperfections, but I do intend for it to have complete integrity as a flying machine.
Terry
From: owner-rv-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-rv-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Patrick Kelley
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2007 2:00 PM
To: rv-list(at)matronics.com
Subject: RE: RE: skin dents
That’s somewhat my feeling, too. Others have looked at the plane and not commented about the quality of riveting, so I was somewhat surprised – but even more by the suggested repair method. However, if he is right I need to know; I am very aware that I am a novice builder. And, conversely, if he is wrong I need to know that as well. Your advice of getting a second on-site inspection is already being planned, as soon as I can locate another TC.
PatK
[quote][b]
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jjessen
Joined: 22 Apr 2006
Posts: 285
Location: OR
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| Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 2:39 pm Post subject: skin dents |
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Apparently, so did the Shaker furniture makers of years ago.
John J
40328
do not archive
From: owner-rv-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-rv-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Terry Watson
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2007 3:00 PM
To: rv-list(at)matronics.com
Subject: RE: RE: skin dents
Pat,
I remember when I was getting started on my RV-8A project one of the most difficult aspects was to try to understand the quality level required. It became obvious that “Perfect” was going to be a rare occurrence, but the difference between acceptable and not acceptable was and sometimes still is difficult for my novice eye to distinguish. In making that distinction I would suggest that you keep in mind that structural or mechanical or electrical integrity is far more important than esthetics.
I remember reading that Japanese art sometimes includes an obvious imperfection in order to avoid the pretense of perfection and therefore insult the gods. My airplane will require no such intentional imperfections, but I do intend for it to have complete integrity as a flying machine.
Terry
From: owner-rv-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-rv-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Patrick Kelley
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2007 2:00 PM
To: rv-list(at)matronics.com
Subject: RE: RE: skin dents
That’s somewhat my feeling, too. Others have looked at the plane and not commented about the quality of riveting, so I was somewhat surprised – but even more by the suggested repair method. However, if he is right I need to know; I am very aware that I am a novice builder. And, conversely, if he is wrong I need to know that as well. Your advice of getting a second on-site inspection is already being planned, as soon as I can locate another TC.
PatK
[quote]
href="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RV-List">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?RV-List
href="http://forums.matronics.com">http://forums.matronics.com
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matronics(at)cencula.com
Guest
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| Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 7:53 pm Post subject: skin dents |
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FWIW, careful pushing with a popsicle stick or other small piece of wood can
greatly reduce the appearance of dents in skins. I've repaired a couple
small dents using this method in my empennage skins.
Mike
On Wednesday May 23 2007 09:58 am, Patrick Kelley wrote:
| Quote: | How to deal with skin dents? This may be an odd question coming from
<snip>
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| Quote: | Phoenix) or if he is right. Comments and opinions much appreciated.
Pat Kelley - RV-6A - Odd tasks while waiting for avionics.
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Mark Phillips in TN
Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 431
Location: Columbia, TN
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| Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 11:21 pm Post subject: skin dents |
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Hi Pat- FWIW, I've seen RVs that looked like they were beat together with bricks, and the still fly great and refuse to fall out of the sky. If on close examination it is clear that the dents have no particularly sharp edges that might lead to cracks, then I'd suggest you just keep an eye on them and fly...
Suggest you get someone else to peruse the items in question, preferably an experienced RV builder or EAA Tech Counselor for a 2nd or 3rd "opinion"!
Mark Phillips, builder RV-6A/RV-7A & Tech counselor, Columbia, TN
http://websites.expercraft.com/n51pw/
do not archive
See what's free at AOL.com.
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From The PossumWorks... |
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Bret Smith
Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 178
Location: Mineral Bluff, GA
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ghinman(at)mts.net
Guest
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| Posted: Thu May 24, 2007 7:11 am Post subject: skin dents |
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Have you thought about using a dent puller such as one
of the following
http://www.autobarn.net/xxxw-hs-7500.html
http://www.tooltopia.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=8598&ysmchn=
BIZ&ysmcpn=Shopzilla&ysmgrp=Shopzilla&ysmtrm=HS%207500&ysmtac=CMP&utm_source
=Shopzilla&utm_campaign=Shopzilla&utm_term=HS%207500&utm_medium=CMP
http://www.asseenontv.com/prod-pages/pops-a-dent.html
If the dents are shallow without sharp bends it might work.
On May 23, 2007, at 07:58 287230005, Patrick Kelley wrote:
How to deal with skin dents? This may be an odd question coming from
someone whose airframe is so far done, so let me give some background. I
learned to rivet on my horizontal stabilizer. At the time, I was working
for American International Airways and I got one of the IAs to come over and
teach me. Predictably, I dented a few spots and was reassured that the
dings were slight, not structural, and would be easily covered up. So, as I
continued to build, the occasional 'oops' did not overly concern me; I got
much better at avoiding them and even when they did occur they were less
severe than my first ones.
Now fast forward to yesterday. I got a tech advisor to come out and look at
my aircraft. He's an 88 y.o. IA who knew of the RV-6A but was a little
fuzzy on the details (he didn't know the cowl was fiberglass or that piano
hinge was used to attach it, for instance). But I respected his years of
experience and followed his comments. Then he focused on the dents and said
they would HAVE to be fixed; they looked like hell.
George H. Inman
ghinman(at)mts.net
RV-8
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