Wing Fabric

For general discussion of the Just Aircraft family of aircraft.
Includes: Highlander, Escapade, Summit and SuperSTOL.
moving2time
Veteran Member
Posts: 243
Joined: Fri Oct 15, 2010 5:42 pm

Re: Wing Fabric

Post by moving2time »

Thank you for the clarifications. I guess I don't remember seeing that the fabric was glued to the tank on any of the Highlanders I have studied. It will be an item I will look at more closely in the future. For some reason I have it in my mind that Just was calling for cork over the gas tank under the fabric. Perhaps I am getting aircraft confused. The fabric around the tank on Dan's (FlyChief) wings look awesome but as mentioned, I did not think that the tank was finished directly into the airfoil of the wing on the Highlander wing. Looks like an amazingly clean install. It must be beautiful in person. Joe B
jjacky
Veteran Member
Posts: 239
Joined: Wed Aug 19, 2009 12:07 pm
Location: Greensboro, NC

Re: Wing Fabric

Post by jjacky »

Beautiful finish jobs guys. I went out looking for Pro Seal and they make a ton of stuff...What is the stock number of the pro seal you used (is it the stuff available from Aircraft Spruce?). And one more question...did every body glue to the the entire top of the fuel tank?....Thanks!
Plan not to be the first at the scene of the accident!
Jack L
Veteran Member
Posts: 112
Joined: Sun Apr 27, 2014 12:10 pm

Re: Wing Fabric

Post by Jack L »

Guys,

I also used Stewart Systems and installed my tanks in the same way that Gary did which is as per the manual. The idea is to set the tank in place with the adhesive provided by Just Aircraft as close to level with the top of the ribs as possible. I used small wood shims to level the tank in a bed of sealant, once cured I removed the shims and filled the voids left behind with the same sealant. The sealant holds the tanks in place and provides a rubber cushion between the tank and the aluminum spars. Don't allow the tank to go above the ribs and finally blend the tank to the top of the ribs with body filler, notice that Gary used very little filler. The idea is to get the top of the wing smooth all across the span while the bottom doesn't matter so much because the wood strip on the tank leaves a void and hides any inconsistencies between the fabric and the tank.

JJacky,

I applied adhesive to the top of the tank as instructed by Stewart Systems. I believe the reason is that the wing is being pulled up into the low pressure and the fabric is being pulled upward with the wing, something like this:
How_a_wing_works.jpg
Also, ensure that you get a good bed of Eko Bond on the bottom of the ribs, especially the wood strip on the bottom of the tank. This area is not being pulled in flight but it will sag and look like crap on the ground if it lets go.

As for Pro Seal If you know anyone that works around commercial or military aircraft they continually throw the stuff out as it expires, otherwise this stuff should be fine:

http://www.aircraftspruce.ca/catalog/ap ... key=149819
http://www.aircraftspruce.ca/catalog/pd ... 0specs.pdf

I laid up some masking tape on a clean surface and cut the outside diameter and inside diameter of the opening leaving a 1/4'" gap between the two, I then transferred the tape to the gas cap and tank to allow an even 1/4" gap. Apply the Pro seal and tool it as best you can, this stuff is messy! Once partially cured wet your finger (varsol works well) and smoothen it out to get a nice finish. REMOVE the tape before it cures because once cured it will not let go of the tape. If you get any Pro Seal on any other part of your wing clean it before it cures, I use Varsol and a shop rag.

I hope that this all makes sense, if you have any questions PM me and I will give you a shout.

Jack
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Post Reply

Return to “Just Aircraft”