Brief Description: Gluing The Root Skins - Part 2.
After pondering the gap I had between the root skin and the root rib for a couple of days, I decided that I wanted to fix it.....
I used a razor blade to separate the glue joint. It took a bit to get the blade into the joint, but once started it only took a few seconds to separate the skin from the spar. A dremel with a sanding drum and a flap wheel, along with a bit of hand sanding cleaned up the glue.
Once separated I found that it was the flange of the root rib that was causing the gaps. Bending the high spots down let the root skin set into place properly.
I used 3M VHB double sided tape to stick the skin to the root rib. This tape is 3M part number 4905 and I got it from Zoro.com - Part number G4188046. It is 1" wide and I have been trimming to suit with a razor blade. 3/4" width would probably be a better size and eliminate the trimming. 5 yards length seems to be plenty so far, but I am expecting to use some during final assembly also. It is paper thin and it sticks like nobody's business!
I drilled out the forward most rivets on the root side. Drilling the stainless rivets when installed in aluminum is a task, and even though I was careful as possible I felt the resulting hole was a little large to properly seat the new rivet. I solved this by finding some washers in my "stash" that properly fit the rivet. With the rivet installed through the skin and rib, I placed the washer over the head end of the rivet before pulling the squeezer.
At this point I re-glued and let everything set overnight. Upon removing the clamps, boards, and waxed paper I was pleased with the results.
