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Center section repair question

PostPosted: Wed Jul 22, 2020 11:26 am
by xvracer
Has anyone repaired center section the aft latch area?
I have one side which had some delamination and cracking. Looks like it had a previous repair. I've cut it away and chased a crack in preparation for building back up with fiberglass mat. I want to make a plug (removable later) to to put in place and build around to produce the recess for the latch hook.
My question is: Suggestion for a material which will not bond to the resin, or can be easily removed/cut out?
Thanks in advance.

Re: Center section repair question

PostPosted: Wed Jul 22, 2020 4:09 pm
by MoDy
Hey Les, if your wife likes to bake steal some of her wax paper....it works perfect-

Re: Center section repair question

PostPosted: Fri Jul 24, 2020 6:05 am
by phantomjock
"Lost Foam Technique"
Use foam. Shape as required. The resin will be stuck, but then melt out with some acetone/gasoline. Make sure the foam and resin are compatible - or will melt while coating.
YMMV.

Cheers - Jim

Re: Center section repair question

PostPosted: Sat Jul 25, 2020 8:05 am
by markfick
I might have a plug for that part of our center section. I’ll check on Monday. For postage I’d give it to you. It’s the shape of the interior of the scoop and would easier to use.

Re: Center section repair question

PostPosted: Sat Jul 25, 2020 2:09 pm
by markfick
Hey xv. Let me know which side you need that pocket. I can send you something that will help re mold it. Foam that dissolves in acetone etc. will dissolve with resin too Jim 8-). I read the original post wrong and thought you were repairing the upper scoop part of our center section. At one time I had plugs for them but I think they are resting in the local landfill :)

Re: Center section repair question

PostPosted: Tue Jul 28, 2020 8:10 am
by xvracer
Thanks for the suggestions and offer of the mold. It did give me an idea. I found polymer modeling clay at a local craft store. The stuff is cheap and hardenable in an oven after molding. I made the required shape with a flange to tape to the outside surface. Made sure I had good draft angles & smoothed the 'nub' before cooking it, and used carnuba wax on the surface after. Built up approx. 1/4" of glass mat over the 'tool'. The plug released easily. I'm pretty happy with the result.
polymer clay plug.jpg
polymer clay plug.jpg (65.55 KiB) Viewed 8273 times

plug in place.jpg
plug in place.jpg (82.19 KiB) Viewed 8273 times

after glassing.jpg
after glassing.jpg (80.86 KiB) Viewed 8273 times