Brief Description: Installed heat shield in wing tips
The instructions for the halogen landing lights includes the installation of heat shielding maaterial inside the fiberglass wing tips where the light assembly is attached. Apparently the lights can generate enough heat to damage either the wing tip or possibly the paint on the external surface. I have seen paint bubble on engine cowlings in close proximity to exhaust pipes. The same heat shielding material recommended for use in cowlings is included with the landing light kit.
I began by making a pattern from poster board that covers an area about 6 inches back from the front edge of the light assembly. It's an irregular shape iside the tip so a pattern is necessary. I then acquired the recommended contact cement, pliobond, from a local hardware store. The shield material has a very sticky backing on it but I decided to go with the instructions. There is no question the pliobond creates a much more permanent bond. I doubt that it will ever come loose.
I coated the area inside the tip with glue and the back of the shield material. Once it dried, another coat was applied to the shield and it was put in place once it became tacky. You have to position it right the first time. Once in place it is impossible to move. Start in the middle and smooth it out to the edges. I used a wallpaper roller tool to press it down.
I had trouble on both tips getting the very center of the shield to lay flush against the fiberglass. I remedied the problem by cutting the material along the leading edge, rolling the material down, and then applying a 1" wide piece of the shield material over the slit. The result is a decent looking and secure heat shield all around the light assembly.
