backstab

My Feedback: (3)

Hello all

I have a really nice set of Bob Fiorenze tailcones from a Yellow F-18 twin. These cones are made of aluminum leaves and look just like the real deal. The tailcones, if you dont know actuate like the real nozzle on a fighter jet, opening and closing via servo and flexible pushrod wrapping around the inside of the flexible part. I am sure some of you will remember them as I am sure they arent made anymore but were pretty neat at the time.

During the process of building my Yellow twin f-18 (2 turbines) The builder glued the aluminum leaves together with CA and maybe even epoxy. There is also black paint on them. The issue is that I need them clean and free moving again. Each leaf is hinged to the main aluminum body of the tailcone with what I believe is plastic hinging like the CA type hinges we use. What is the best way to completely unglue, free up and clean these again? Is there a substance that they can sit in for a week to get the glue and CA off that wont eat away the aluminum or the plastic hinges.

Thanks

Smacka

Try carburator cleaner or better yet, acetone. The acetone will definitely eat the CA alive. I do not believe it will harm aluminum...and it will not take a week to get results. It will eat CA almost instantly SO do not get it on anything you do NOT want disassembled.

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

Yup, Acetone.

If you can set it in a container of acetone it should be paint and CA free in just a few hours.

BUT!!!

Acetone is extremely flamable. If you can't close the container, do it outside. (The fumes really stink too)

backstab

My Feedback: (3)

OK thats great guys thanks. Hey what about the little plastic hinges that hold it together. Will they be affected by acetone?

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

Probably not, but if they are held on with CA... Well... They won't be anymore

backstab

My Feedback: (3)

You know they are riveted on. Classy stuff these nozzles. Well Ill dunk it all in a bath of acetone and smoke beside it all night to see what happens

thanks again

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

Hmmm, Gives new meaning to the term, "Light 'em up!"

backstab

My Feedback: (3)

Update. Well the nozzles sat in a bath of acetone and surprise surprise they are clean once again. There is still a bit of CA between the aluminum leaves but i think it will eventually give way.

Thanks again guys