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Wingtip fitting
Posted:
Thu Feb 22, 2024 11:13 pmby gregsonex
What do folks recommend for getting the wingtips to fit perfectly? Theres a small spacing gap at the leading edge of each wingtip that’s enough for me to wonder if I should use filler to get a good fit or should I try something else?
Re: Wingtip fitting
Posted:
Fri Feb 23, 2024 1:40 amby Kai
If it is any consolation, mine were even worse than yours. So bad, in fact, that I decided to make my own out of sheet.
Major mistake!
The stiffness the factory wingtips provide to the wing ends once installed, should not be overlooked. Now I am facing the daunting task of taking my old sheet tips off and rivet on the ones Sonex shipped to me.
However, the question remains- what to do with the gaps?
Re: Wingtip fitting
Posted:
Fri Feb 23, 2024 8:57 amby T41pilot
Pretty common result when fitting the skin.
I used some strips of aluminum to fill the larger gaps and then finished with some filler. You can glue or use an existing rivet location to hold the strips in place. Turned out fine. I also had to trim the skin edges back a bit to blend with the tip as well.
Re: Wingtip fitting
Posted:
Fri Feb 23, 2024 9:21 amby Bryan Cotton
I ended up making two left wingtips. Ultimately the secret is to really jam it forward for fit. Similar philosophy for installing the tail tips.
Re: Wingtip fitting
Posted:
Fri Feb 23, 2024 3:25 pmby gregsonex
Thanks for input. Bryan I did try and push it forward as much as possible, unfortunately the holes I drilled will be a tiny bit off. It won't eliminate the gap and it's not a perfect fit so I'll prob push forward as much as I can and then use filler. Gregg I'm also gonna shave off a little on the skin edges to get a really snug fit.
Re: Wingtip fitting
Posted:
Fri Feb 23, 2024 4:48 pmby Bryan Cotton
I think my glass wingtips are also a little proud of the skins. I'm sort of remembering doing that for fit. I'll get a picture tonight.
Re: Wingtip fitting
Posted:
Fri Feb 23, 2024 5:16 pmby kmacht
The wingtips are low to the ground and angled in when the wings are installed to the fusealage. Nobody will ever see the small gap once the plane is done.
Re: Wingtip fitting
Posted:
Fri Feb 23, 2024 7:13 pmby Bryan Cotton
kmacht wrote:The wingtips are low to the ground and angled in when the wings are installed to the fusealage. Nobody will ever see the small gap once the plane is done.
Very true!
- Screenshot_20240223-171135-648.png (448.09 KiB) Viewed 2766 times
- Screenshot_20240223-171201-660.png (487.9 KiB) Viewed 2766 times
Re: Wingtip fitting
Posted:
Fri Feb 23, 2024 8:08 pmby daleandee
kmacht wrote:The wingtips are low to the ground and angled in when the wings are installed to the fusealage. Nobody will ever see the small gap once the plane is done.
The advantage to the low wing is when someone bends over to look & criticize your wingtip installation that is a good time to give a swift kick in the pants ... 8~)
Dale
3.0 Corvair/Tailwheel