Fabric Covering

[ben]

Hi Chaps

I'm just about to cover the Nipper (no 36) in Poly Fibre. Anyone know how much fabric etc is required? I've not done fabric before so pre warning of any likely "gotchas" would also be appreciated. I have the Poly Fibre Manual and intend to rib stitch the wings as per its recommendation (Not decided yet on the tail).

Regards

Ben

[Colin Watson]

Hi Ben

I recovered my Nipper in 1995 with polyfiber and I would recommend it.
Looking at my paperwork from then I see that that I ordered 23 yards of fabric.
2 qts of polytak.
3 gal polybrush
4 gal polyspray
3 rolls of 2 inch finishing tape
3 gal of reducer
2 gal of polytone. 1 bag of plastic drain grommets
I didn't do any rib stitching. Just used the polytak on the ribs as they are quite wide. No problems since.

Hope this gives you an idea of the order size.

Colin Watson

[ben]

Hi Colin

Thanks that's brilliant. One last question that I forgot- did you use the lightweight fabric or the medium?

Regards

Ben

[Colin Watson]

Ben
I used P110 fabric 70 inch wide.
This a premium grade and I thought it suited the wing loading of the nipper best.

I am no expert but I was happy with the end result.
Talk it over with your inspector if you have any doubt or speak to Aircraft Coverings Ltd, as I found them very helpful.

Regards

Colin

[G-BLMW]

Hi Ben

I used Ceconite 102 when I covered my Nipper many years ago with the covering glued to the ribs with the fabric adhesive, no need to rib stitch. (That was 26 years ago and it is still attached ) Have fun.

Regards

Stuart