reinforcing a cowl
 

Hi Everyone, I have a Hobbico ASAP Extra 300 that I'm planning on flying this spring and I want to reinforce the cowl on it. It is one of those old thin plastic ones that was four separate pieces before it was assembled. Would fiberglassing the inside of the cowl be strong enough or could I get away with packaging tape?

RE: reinforcing a cowl
 

1)Flight-skin is a great option , a little Ca and your done
2)Fiberglass is also very good
3)Packing tape will get messy , I would not go in that direction

RE: reinforcing a cowl
 

I've never heard of flight skin, what is it?

RE: reinforcing a cowl
 

I think its spelled Flite skin , its an amazeing product that looks like a thin sheet of finished fiberglass . Now you will think its expensive but one sheet will last you over 10 planes for small projects .Aprox $30. I purchased one roll and still have enought to make 10 sets of flaps if needed , I have lined my 73 Fuseelages , build flaps , control horns , reinforced cowls , ect ect .
And the best part is that its porous , so a littel CA and its on for good .
Googles the words , try a few differant spellings and you will be happy with the product

RE: reinforcing a cowl
 

I meant to say I have lined planes(inside the fiberglass fuseelages ) with wings spans of 73" and greater

RE: reinforcing a cowl
 

Seam tape, the fiber mesh stuff that drywall folks use, is fine. Lay it carefully inside your assembly, CA it down, and it's as good as you need for a plastic cowl.

I had the ASAP Ultimate, loved the way it flew (on a Magnum .80 fourstroke.) Hated to see it go in, lost battery connection. Nothing left but splinters, so any cowl reinforcement I did was overkill.

Best wishes,
Dave Olson

RE: reinforcing a cowl
 

Dave I'm so sorry about your Ultimate. I have a .75 magnum in my Extra.

RE: reinforcing a cowl
 

Sometimes CA or epoxy won't stick to plastic. I have used PVC cement and fiberglass with great success on plastic cowls. Careful! A little goes a long way; use thin coats. Too much and your cowl will be a bubbly mess [:-].

RE: reinforcing a cowl
 

yeah I've seen that kind of result on cowls before, not too good