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Flap-Wing anti chafing tape
- Thread starter Rbb469
- Start date
3M makes a clear flap tape that goes on the underside of the wing. You don’t see it extended or retracted. Why white ? ACS sells clear.
My favorite
www.flyboyaccessories.com
Installed on the underside of the wing skins instead of on the flap.
Paint Protection Film
A virtually invisible barrier against flying debris, abrasion, and weathering.
Installed on the underside of the wing skins instead of on the flap.
I know that lots of folks install the tape on the underside of the skin - but in areas with lots of dirt and dust (desert southwest), grit gets under there, embeds itslef ther, and scratches the paint on the flap - which is whjat the tape is there to prevent! I used clear tape on the flap and changed it until I just decided to go with stainless on the flap for all our planes - lasts forever. Yes, you will se it with the flpas down but it stays shiny.My favorite
Paint Protection Film
A virtually invisible barrier against flying debris, abrasion, and weathering.
Installed on the underside of the wing skins instead of on the flap.
There are pluses and minuses to both “sides” (tape under skin, tape on fap), and folks can decide which is best for them. I think the split when looking at planes at AirVenture is about 50/50…..
I agree there are pluses and minuses to both methods.
I think applying it to the wings skins on the newer models that have slotted style flaps, is the better way to go. The flap only contacts the wing skins in the last little bit of movement before they are fully retracted.
On the legacy designs where the flap skin remains in contact with the wing skins at all times, the paint is better protected with the protective film applied to the flap leading edge.
My brain thought automatically went to the more recent designs.
Regardless of what someone does, I recommend that they do not use the UHMW tape sold by Vans. It degrades overtime and is very difficult to remove for replacement. Particularly bad is installing it on the flap itself so that it has UV exposure.
I use no tape. I did my flap leading edges, cowl overlaps, gear leg intersection fairing s and anything that can chafe using PPG teflon infused urethan paint. I used Boeing 707 grey, but it's available in white and tintable. It's what we use on all the airliners for flaps, panels that can chafe , ect. No peeling, no yellowing. I did my RV4 flap LE s 16 years ago. Can hardly tell the flaps have ever been operated. Apply with foam cabinet roller or brush.
Agreed, should have specified flap design. My 14 800 hrs. and 6 years still looks perfect, clear 3 M installed on the underside of the flap. Florida and Ohio mostly flown. Evoke paint.My favorite
Paint Protection Film
A virtually invisible barrier against flying debris, abrasion, and weathering.
Installed on the underside of the wing skins instead of on the flap.
Really good point Scott - I am so much of a legacy design guy that I forget the flaps move differently on the newer wings!
I have a few scratches that the white would cover up. Great idea putting it on the wing instead of the flap. Thanks
Thanks for the advice. I’m going to try to find it in white. Thanks.
