Seeking Opinions on How to Fix This
 

Hi All.
This is my first attempt at laying up fiberglass over a foam plug. Unfortunately, I didn't catch this until after I'd already laid up the glass. The tail is bent to one side leaving a gap on one side and an inward angle on the other.
I've thought about what I can do to fix this, and came up with these options.

1. Cut off the last 6 in. of the tail, make a new foam piece, glass it and re-attach, and glass over.
2. Fill the gaps with Bondo and re-glass. (I'm thinking this would add too much weight to the tail).
3. Just make sure the vertical and horizontal stabs are absolutely straight and square ( I would anyway) and correct any bad flight characteristics with trimming.

Do any of these sound like the correct thing to do, or is there another solution I'm not seeing?
Thanks.











https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...aaf5ed2baa.jpg

Another option would be to cut through from one side or the other and "flex" it straight. Either wedging open the cut or closing up the cut. When the tail post is back on the center line rig a temporary brace and with a sanding drum taper out to each side and fill in the hollow with glass and resin. When green cut away some of the stuff sticking up and after it fully cures sand it down flush. After that a little high build sandable primer is your best friend.

But doing what you suggested is also an option.

I like that idea. Would you cut it at the deepest part of the hollow?

+1.

Bob

wedge it open and put in a few temporary sticks.Heat it with a gun.Let cool,then use spray foam to fill the tail.Trim away the excess.

right now, it's layed up on a foam plug. Do you think I should wedge it open now, or wait until after I cut it off the plug?


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...02407f74f3.jpg
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post layup
 

I think I would take out the plug,as it has no effect on the laminate shape now,so make a cage out of something strong enough and dimensionally correct to insert before heating the laminate.You could use expanding foam,then,and remove it after,if needed