SonexBuilders.net

Hello Everyone,

While it's still warm in Ohio I'm thinking about going ahead and using some lightweight body filler to fill in the leading edge skins on my wings to give a smooth finish after paint. I know some have done this so I was wondering if anyone has suggestions on the best products or techniques to use. According to the RV forums, a lot of people use 3M lightweight filler from NAPA and then prime over the filler.

Any thoughts?

Paging Kip... :lol:

Yeah Andy you read my mind! I bug Kip too much as it is or I would have called on him as well... :mrgreen:

MichaelFarley56 wrote:Yeah Andy you read my mind! I bug Kip too much as it is or I would have called on him as well... :mrgreen:

You and me both!

Naw, you guys don't bother me at all. Talking about Sonex's all day is fine with me...:)

Unfortunately, I am not a fiberlass/filler expert. I was messing with some small fiberglass operations on my Waiex and got the idea to fill in the flush rivets on the leading edge. I used the West System goo and micro balloons that one uses to do fiberglass work. A guy at work who has done this stuff before said it was OK to use. It has held up well but it may or may not be the best thing to use. I am glad that I made the leading edge smooth as get's a few compliments and who knows...maybe it gives me 1/2 knot extra cruise. I have had one guy ask me if I had hail damage with the little imperfect rivet indentations...:( He was apologetic after 10 seconds. I have seen one other Sonex buider that had a flawless job...like a composite wing.

Consider the RV guy's advice...other than aircraft choice...they are never wrong...:)

N111YX wrote:Consider the RV guy's advice...other than aircraft choice...they are never wrong...:)

Just ask them! :mrgreen: :lol:

An old thread, but I would like to troll again for filler opinions. I am polishing but the fiberglass parts will need some fill. NAPA or West Systems? Or something else?

I use Micro Balloons and Epoxy (I use Aeropoxy, but the brand of epoxy isn't all that important as it's not structural)...but that's because I already have these supplies on hand from a prior project. If I didn't, I'd probably go with a pre-made lightweight filler....just make sure it's a lightweight one. The Micro Balloons and Epoxy is super light weight...for that...it can't be beat.

Bryan Cotton wrote:An old thread, but I would like to troll again for filler opinions. I am polishing but the fiberglass parts will need some fill. NAPA or West Systems? Or something else?

Here's what I used:

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/pages/cs/ ... nalite.php

Dale Williams
N319WF @ 6J2
Myunn - 120 HP (3.0)
Tail Wheel - Center Stick
51.2 hours