After the initial balance checks are done, the cheek plates can be permanetly mounted to the blades. The manual mentions using contact cement but there are much better adhesive sealants available. I have noticed a few shortcomings with some of the newer contact cements. Most are not designed for exterior exposure and have a tendency to dry out over time and they can also become "gummy" when exposed to higher temps.
I have first hand experience with a premium structural adhesive (BMS5-95 -PPG Aerospace)) used in commercial aerospace manufacturing and chose to use it. It is a two-part mix and contains chromium for corrosion protection. It provides a very strong but pliable joint. The down side is that it is expensive and very messy to work with.
The following steps were taken In preparation of the bonding:
An area around the straps was masked and then lightly sanded and solvent cleaned. The primed contact surfaces of the bottom of cheek plates were sanded and solvent cleaned The upper topcoated surface of the lower straps were prepped in the same manner where they contacted the upper cheek plates.
Unlike contact cement the sealant does not adhere instantly which allows you some latitude in adjusting the plates to the bolt holes in the blades.
I removed the protective tape after torquing down the blade bolts and cleaned up as much of the excess sealant around the edges as I could. I'll do a final clean up next wekend with some MEK. I used way too much sealant on the first blade. A little bit goes a long way.
