Vans RV-12i

[Ed McClements]

Popped round to my mate Andy's house yesterday to return a book he'd lent me (How to Build a Car - Adrian Newey's autobiography...a very good read) and found him building his kit plane:-

There is so much crossover between building an aircraft of this type and a monocoque chassis - blind and bucked rivets, sheet metal parts meeting machined members for the hard location points, AN fittings on hard fuel lines passing through grommeted holes...etc. Andy and I picked up the central part of the fuselage above, and it's can't have been any more than 70-80kg.

Andy has just retired from a career firstly in RAF and latterly as an airline pilot, and he's a fastidious worker, as you can see.

 

[Neil]

Very nice work. What is the finish on his aluminum panels?

"There is so much crossover between building an aircraft of this type and a monocoque chassis..." Absolutely true! That is why I recommend attending an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics course if you can find one- lots of useful information.

 

[Ed McClements]

Hi Neil

I believe it's a Tetrosyl etch primer, popular amongst the UK Vans builders, applied following careful prep with Scotchbrite and MEK. I'd have to check with Andy re: exact details. It's not alumiprep / alodine as far as I know.

Cheers,

Eddy

 

[Neil]

Thanks. It's definitely not alumiprep / alodine, it's not the right color.

 

[Ed McClements]

Apparently it's a 2K etch primer - codes are GEP001 and GET001, mixed 50/50 and gives excellent adhesion. He's using Scotchbrite and MEK panel wash before spraying...and he'll have done his research beforehand, he's that kinda guy.

 

[Neil]

Thank you. It's good to find out about useful new products.

 

[Coreyw]

Rv looks great! It should be paired with the appropriate wheels and tires. If you don't know where to get it, XXXXXXX has a lot of different brands of wheels and tires to pick from.