Hi All,

Can someone please help. I need to remove hinges in my WM GS Mustang that I'm kit bashing so to speak.

The metal hinges have been secured with epoxy. Is there any chance of releasing the epoxy glue with heat, or anything for that matter. Suggestions are much appreciated.

Regards

Falcon XR

Metal hinges? Yikes!

A lot of heat might work, but be careful of the covering. (Unless you're stripping that too.) Apply heat to one hinge and pull firmly and constantly once heat's been on it for a while.

Other than that, I'd use a Dremel cut-off wheel. You'll have to put new hinges in a different spot anyway.
Dennis-

The best solution is to cut the hinges out and insert/glue a balsa block in the hole. Reslot and put in new hinges. A small serated xacto blade helps alot in cutting out the old hinge.

All covering has been removed as I plan on glassing all surfaces.
As for applying heat to the hinges I'd thought that perhaps a hair dryer might do?

Other wise it's out with the dremel to cut the hinges and remove them that way. I thought that the dremel was the only way to remove hinges, just I heard someone say once you can use heat to release epoxy. How much heat before you start to effect the balsa is a question I'd like answered before attempting this.

Thanks again

Falcon:

Neither a hair drier nor a heat gun will do. Whip out the old soldering gun, lay the point directly on the pivot point and wait 20-30 seconds. Grab the free end with a pair of pliers and wiggle it. If it doesn't come loose heat it some more. You will get them out this way. If the control surface is still attached it's a little harder, but it will still work. But only metal hinges in epoxy or similar glue.

Bill.

I've softened epoxy with a heat gun. Those things probably get up to at least 300 deg which is about where the epoxy will let go. It takes time. You don't have to worry about burning the wood with a heat gun.

Tom

Hurray Guys,

Thats what I wanted to hear.

I wasn't game to attack the hinged surfaces with the heat gun until I'd more info. You are correct in assuming that the ailerons ,elevators etc are still attached to the wings , stabilizers.

Thanks for the tip Bill, the soldering iron is going to get a work out first, then the heat gun. Maybe a combo of both. Don't worry I'll be careful of generating too much heat.

Thanks again, I'll let you know how things go.