Posted 27 Jan 2010 Any of you guys done the duct tape gap seals mod? I was reading a discussion on the group and would like to do my elevator at least. Someone attempted to give me instructions but it was confusing as hell ...anyone want to try and interpret this? Sealing the Gap : Take some 2 inch wide sticky tape of a suitable colour and texture. I use yellow duct tape on the "Wattle Witch"). Take two lengths somewhat longer than the gap section you want to seal. Reverse one length and stick it to the sticky side of the other with a 1 inch overlap. Your tape will look like this : xxxxxxxx = Sticky Side -------- = Dry Side ------------------- xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx -------------------- Trim the joined tape to the length of the gap section less a little to avoid the hinges. Now using this tape 'S' it around a gap thus : Where : TTTTTT = Tailplane EEEEEE = Elevator --------- xxxxxxxx! TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT ! EEEEEEEEEE ! xxxxxx ! ------ It's a bit fiddly to avoid the tape rolling up on you until you get the knack. Use a sheet of perspex or similar to work on. DO NOT WORK on your elevator top surface when joining the tapes. You will end up loosing paint - been there - done that Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 27 Jan 2010 He is saying to stick two strips of tape together with the sticky side and over lapped, Then stick one side to the top of the stabliser and go thru the gap and stick the other tape to the bottom of the elivator, This is the S shape he is talking about. Can't do that up here, low area will fill with water and freeze, could be ugly Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 27 Jan 2010 Joey- I used duct tape to gap seal my KF. My technique: with elevator full nose down I put the yellow duct tape across the top of the gap then with the elevator tied full nose up I put tape across the bottom gapCenter the elevator and smoothly stuck the center of the gap togetherThe difference was definitely noticeable, especially on flair to land. I'm able to use more flap and still fully flair. Photos. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 27 Jan 2010 We used snowboard tape. Clear. sticky and heavy duty! Just as Larry said, go full down elevator and put it on the top. It will seal the gap and lasts a couple years atleast. Made a HUGE difference on floats. I am heading out to the plane today so I will take a pic of the gap seals. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 28 Jan 2010 (edited) Here are some photos of my gap seals. I used a Duct Tape product that is clear and made for outdoor use. Very tough and pliable. Heat, cold, sun, etc do not affect it. I also used the full up and tape, then full down and tape method. It does make a difference. Edited 28 Jan 2010 by SkySteve Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 25 Nov 2013 Hello Group; I´ll start to make some of your upgrades to my plane, in this case Gap Seals; I decided to use Isolation for pipes and cut it with a sharp knife to give the necessary form. Any input from your side is appreciated. I haven´t flown yet, but I will tomorrow and see if it´s any good. Next project.... VG, I will put them under the wing at the wing tip; and do some test from there... Regards Dimi3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 30 Nov 2013 Dimi3: One of the things I've noticed about this type of foam is it takes a "set", that is it tends to compress when under load over an extended period of time,get loose and permanently take on the shape of the gap it is filling.If it is the same insulation foam where you are as in my area. I'm playing with marine foam in the gaps as the seal,does a decent job. Working out some minor bugs. Mike Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 30 Nov 2013 Dimitri, how are those held in place? Thanks, Bryce Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted 30 Nov 2013 Hey Guys, yes they are insulation foam; and they are held in place with tabs of epoxy, how ever, I notice that this ones are too tight rubbing and compressing, I would like to be little bit loose like 1/2 milimiter or less and I will covered all around with tape. Regards Dimitri Share this post Link to post Share on other sites