After sanding the horiz/vert fiberglass tips I was still not happy with the surface, this time resin and flox. It just isn't smooth enough for eventual paint. Ok, one more attempt this time with a single layer of light weight cloth and resin topped with a piece of peel ply. I think this will do the trick but will have to wait until tomorrow to see the result.
Next task was to do some filing and sanding to shape the forward ends of the elevator tips. You will recall this is where the fiberglass wraps around the lead weights. The lead weight is exposed at the front and must be blended into the fiberglass. I taped off the aluminum to protect it against scratches and used files and a sanding block to shape the assembly. I still have some finishing work to do but it is getting close. Not sure exactly how to get a paint ready finish on the lead, maybe resin and some micro-balloons?
Finally, I redrilled the left wheel pant and did the couuntersinking for the screws. The other holes which will take rivets were also redrilled. The pant was refitted and tire clearance rechecked. I decided to remove just a little more glass at the front and back for more tire clearance. The measurements for the "tire hole" now match the starboard wheel pant. Hopefully, the starboard pant will not require any further trimming.
I did notice that the left pant now fits a bit tighter than before the inside glass layups. Hope this doesn't create any problem with ease of removal and reinstallation over time.
