Fiberglass Covering?

[David326]

I'm a new guy working on increasing my limited Champ knowledge base while looking for one to purchase. One I've come across is advertised as having "lifetime razorback fiberglass fabric". I've encountered Ceconite/Stits/Polyfiber but this is new to me!

I'm betting that one of the knowledgeable people here can help educate me. Thanks in advance.

Dave Pearson
319-360-0029

[Paul Agaliotis]

David,
The covering process uses a polyester type fabric and a resin coating, and was considered "lifetime". The fabric lasts a long time but all of the other junk under it gets aged.
The FAA has it listed under STC SA4-1210.
Paul

[MikeB]

I think it was pretty heavy, too.

Mike

[Paul Agaliotis]

Like a stone.

It was an attempt to bring something new to the fabric airplanes. I like to use anything new to the market for our little planes. I used the Stitts stuff, it's ok but stays too loose due to the vinyl base. I liked the Blue River, but they had some issues with the UV product. Now it's on to the Stewarts System which is working out real well. I can't wait to put it on the L16.
Some of these products struck out while others hit a home-run, but all of them had to come to the plate. Now that takes guts, and I think all of them can be proud of their attempts.
Paul

[David326]

Thanks guys for helping with my education! This forum is such a great resource for neophytes like me. Now if I can just locate a reasonably priced nice one, Christmas is coming maybe I'll get lucky.

[MikeB]

Friend of mine at the airport just covered his wings with Stewart. It looks pretty good although he had some issues with little lumps apparently in the primer on one wing and said it was pretty impossible to sand them out (rubbery). On the other wing I believe he shot a first coat and then sanded before the second coat and it looks a lot better. It's probably a 'live and learn' thing. That also works with the polyurathane to make a nice finish coat. The wings on my Champ (which just went to the new owner today ) were covered by a previous owner (not me) with the Blue River process about twenty years ago and held up pretty well other than they were painted with Imron afterward which is harder than woodpecker lips and had some cracks in the paint....didn't hurt anything but had I kept the Champ I was intending to recover them.

I've been using Superflite for my three cover jobs but think I'd use some other process next time just because the glue is so MEK intensive and don't think I can stand to breathe that stuff any longer.
I might look at Stewart if I do another. I know Gordy in Minnesota has been using it with good results.

Mike

[Richard Murray]

I am recovering my 7CCM and it had three different systems applied over the years. The horizontal stabilizers had Razorback and it was tough. Definitely a process you would want for agricultural applications. The rudder was covered in PolyFiber and the fuselage was covered in Superflite. There was a PolyFiber patch over the vertical fin (A DEFINITE NO-NO). The wings were replace with American Champion wings in 2005 and were covered in a different Superflite process than System 1. The factory said they used a 'LOT' of flex agent and it must be the reason the heavy build up is rubbery in texture.

I have studied Randolf, Superflite, and PolyFiber and elected to use the PolyFiber with PolyTone because of my past experience and its ability to repair easily. I wanted to try the Stewart process, but the comments are they haven't perfected it yet for a non-professional like me to use. It is EPA FRIENDLY.

To reiterate the previous comment, you don't know what is happening to the aging parts beneath the covering and the old primers were applied without the benefit of phosphate treating.

[David326]

My education continues, thanks! Found a different airplane, recovered in 1994 with "Stits Poly-Fiber" according to the 337. 2 coats of varnish on the wood and enamel on the frame. Pre-buy scheduled for next week so perhaps an early Christmas present?

[badger bob]

Dave glad to see that you found something. there a bunch of us aeronca guy hear from iowa. hope to see you in the new plane.best of luck. Bob

[Paul Agaliotis]

Dick,
I think the Stewarts is about the simplest system out there. If you can follow directions you won't have any problems. If you try to use methods you're familiar with, it'll be trouble. Their glue is about the best thing going. It works very,very well. They have been using this system about 20 years and it has a good track record and all of its problems have been worked out.
It has NOTHING in common with the Blue River process, a point that some have confused over the years.
Most people cover one or two planes. Generally they recommend the process they are familiar with and condemn the rest.
Paul

[Mickey]

I agree, I have used Randolph and Stewarts, and Stewarts if by far the easiest and the best, in particular, the absense of that intoxicating smell!!

Muskokabob

[Richard Murray]

Thanks for the comments on the Stewart process. I was set to try it until I spoke with a chap in Rochester and he commented they had it all worked out, but the top coat was a bit tricky. I agree you tend to migrate to what you have worked with before. I will try the Stewart system on the next project.