Gavin Yates

I'm New Here
Can anyone please advise what tape & width to use on a yet to be installed replacement flap. I'm reading "3M 8674" of 3" width is used but also read it's no longer made.Ta in advance for assistance.
 
Try sticking a length of the "fuzzy" side of Velcro on the bottom of the top wing skin where it contacts the flap. After 8 years there is not a single scratch on my flaps.
 
Can anyone please advise what tape & width to use on a yet to be installed replacement flap. I'm reading "3M 8674" of 3" width is used but also read it's no longer made.Ta in advance for assistance.
I think that FlyBoy accessories has such tape as you are seeking…..
 
Try sticking a length of the "fuzzy" side of Velcro on the bottom of the top wing skin where it contacts the flap. After 8 years there is not a single scratch on my flaps.
I've not heard of the Velcro approach to this. Does it not scuff a painted surface?
 
Can anyone please advise what tape & width to use on a yet to be installed replacement flap. I'm reading "3M 8674" of 3" width is used but also read it's no longer made.Ta in advance for assistance.
3 of us RV (-4/6 and -8) owners bought a roll of Stainless Steel tape from McMaster Carr and did all of our flaps. In addition to looking really nice, its super durable, and likely will last forever. I'm getting my plane re-painted now - and I will definitely use this product again!

 
I’ve tried all kinds of things and what I found works the best, is a combination of the aforementioned products. I put the 3M paint protection film on the flap and the Teflon tape under the wing trailing edge skin. This way, the Teflon tape rides on the paint protection film and nothing gets worn or scratched.
 
I bought flyboy Teflon tape, but in past I used metal tape, but it might show scratches... the idea is get a good fit but not have too much interference between upper skin and flap...
 
3 of us RV (-4/6 and -8) owners bought a roll of Stainless Steel tape from McMaster Carr and did all of our flaps. In addition to looking really nice, its super durable, and likely will last forever. I'm getting my plane re-painted now - and I will definitely use this product again!

Pictures !!
 
Pictures !!
I'll see if I can dig some up. The plane is in the paint shop atm, So had to peel the tape off.

The one downside is the SS tape edges are sharp as fracking razor blades. So be careful when working with it. I sliced my finger pretty bad when taking it off. One on the airplane its no issue.
 
I’ve used:
-Teflon out of sight under wing trailing edge. Over time, dirt between the tape and flap wore dull streaks in the paint on the flap. Won’t do that again.
-Teflon on top of the flap. Like everyone else’s experience it is yellowing. I regret the choice after only 3 years and 170 hrs. Won’t do that again.
-Flyboy’s tape. FAR superior to Teflon. It’s been In service for 4 years and 400 hours. So far so good. A great choice if you don’t like the look of SS.
When I work up the energy replace the teflon tape it will be with SS. IMHO, it adds a pleasing old school look. And we know it lasts for ever.
 
I’ve used:
-Teflon out of sight under wing trailing edge. Over time, dirt between the tape and flap wore dull streaks in the paint on the flap. Won’t do that again.
-Teflon on top of the flap. Like everyone else’s experience it is yellowing. I regret the choice after only 3 years and 170 hrs. Won’t do that again.
-Flyboy’s tape. FAR superior to Teflon. It’s been In service for 4 years and 400 hours. So far so good. A great choice if you don’t like the look of SS.
When I work up the energy replace the teflon tape it will be with SS. IMHO, it adds a pleasing old school look. And we know it lasts for ever.
Flyboys clear 3M tape on the underside paint after 7 years and over 800 hrs. still looks like new. Paint is easy to take care of, but I've never used SS so maybe a wash.
 
I didn't see anyone point out the #1 drawback to the SS tape. When, not if, one of the edges or corners lifts off of the flap, it instantly becomes a razor edge. I know. Got the bandaids and blood on my RV-4 to prove it.

I'm the one who insisted that Blake (Flyboy Accessories) carry the 3M PPF tape... which lasts forever and has never caused me to bleed! 'nuf said. (

And it's easily and cleanly removable... unlike HDPE tape.