Fuselage Fabric

[jja66uk]

Hello

I'm about to recover the fuselage frame of my Nipper and I've been advised to use Stits Poly-Fiber. Does anybody have any experience of this? I can only find one supplier, Aircraft Coverings Ltd. in Somerset. Has anybody had any dealings with them? Any advice would be very welcome as this is a first for me.

John

[JimCrawford]

If I were considering recovering my Nipper I think Polyfiber would be the process of choice. It is well proven and the materials seem more pleasant to use than the Ceconite process. I've not used Polyfiber but I have done several Ceconite covers, the only problem I have is that I now have a stock of Ceconite dopes sufficient to do the job anyway! Perhaps I'll flog them through the rally flea market.
Oratex might be an interesting alternative, I considered it for a glider, but the prices are eye watering and it doesn't seem to be completely opaque so light colours over a solid surface (leading edge ply?) may be shaded by the substrate.

Remember that a very light aircraft is never improved by adding weight. I'd go for the lightest weight Polyfiber fabric, finish it as per the excellent manual - which is available on line if you want a preview - and I'd also rib stitch even though pundits may insist it isn't necessary.

Fabric covering can be a very satisfying process so good luck and enjoy.

Jim

[Tipsy Flyer]

Bob Grimstead recovered his British Fournier RF4 with Oratex. If I remember correctly, there was a weight deduction.

[JimCrawford]

That's one of the advantages with Oratex - significant weight reduction and no post covering finishing required.

Jim