Thorp Air Command - T18.net

Time for a new thread to liven things up. I am seeking opinions and experience regarding filler on the glass cowls.

I had a little "D'oh!" moment at Oshkosh when I heard a warning about the use of West 410 Microlight in the engine area. Apparently 410 doesn't do so well with heat. Do any of you guys have experience to back that up? What is recommended?

Unfortunately, I made liberal use of 410 on my upper cowl section. To make it worse, after much sanding, I finally have it to a point where I'm happy with it.

D

I used Fiberglass resin Dick, with some micro balloons mixed in, some cowls are made from polyester resin and some are epoxy resin, the two don't mix real well. I am not familiar with the substance that you are referring to.........Dan

Thx Dan ... epoxy vs polyester isn't the problem, but as an aside, I can say that the West epoxy with micro sticks to the piece vey well. I'm interested in hearing from anyone who has West 410 on parts with a few hundred hours of service on them. I'm curious if the finish is surviving engine heat or not before I go and sand all this fine work off.

Yes, knowing what I know now, I would have used the glass bead filler. (micro balloons)

D

BTW - I think I know the right answer. I'm just hoping somebody will tell me what I want to hear.

Is this a working plane or a Love Interest plane?
Part of me thinks you should "play through" with the work you have done, get flying ASAP and get back to the group with a data point later, if it holds up or what?
I mean, what good's a plane that's not flying? (I oughta know)

_________________
Scott Emery
EAA Chapter 326
T-18 N18TE

Indeed... that's the other option.....OK, you talked me into it. I'll report the results here in a few years. If it doesn't work out I can always go to Florida and make another one on Bill's mould.

That's the spirit! Could be a success, or it could work into a social call! And that would be good too.

_________________
Scott Emery
EAA Chapter 326
T-18 N18TE

I spoke with our local fiberglas Guru today and his comment was the 410 is not the best selection and does not do well with heat and over time will distort.

Dick,
I used 410 with the West System quite a bit on my fiberglass parts.
Also the top cowl - so far so good (about 40 hrs) we'll have to see in the long run.

Mark

Thanks for the PIREP Mark. That's what I was looking for - real experience. Positive experiences are even better!