Jim & the group I recovered my wings in 1982/3 ? with Stitts polyfiber, and painted with aerothane, as I would be keeping the Coupe outdoors.....
I did not prime the inside of the wings........thought it un-necessary. I have always thought one of the reasons we use aluminum is that it forms a passive coating (oxidation), that stops further corrosion. Now we have this corrosion thing.....& 16 holes per wing... Intergranular corrosion is caused by dissimilar metals in the alloy - when manufactured. Painting the metal will not cure this. Surface corrosion --due to acid rain, mouse urine, etc., is another thing. treating and painting the metal will protect against these types of corrosion......I Think. So, now, I am in the process of deciding to recover my wings - again - after careful inspection, etc....and I am pretty sure I will paint them inside, too. Kim's coupe had corrosion that was not seeable from the holes... at the attachment of the rear spar....I believe - steel against aluminum - and considerable corrosion occured over the years... His suggestion is to be sure to remove the covering so you can observe these types of problems. I think his experience has convinced me to do the same.... As to metal covering.....vs --- cloth. Neg points: additional weight/less payload --- about 32/35 pounds; very thin metal 0.020" , so a heavy hail storm may ruin the wing (cloth just reflects the hail); I think the metal sets up a situation where more condensation occurs; less likely to remove to inspect the interior of the wing ; probably noiser as the skins "oilcan". Positive: Maybe prettier; ??????? Still, I am not sure I would reject a good coupe because it has metal wings... Fly Safe - Have Fun Harry Francis 93530 - 415 C Blacksburg, VA
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