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Covering
the Wings.
Before we tackled the wings we covered the ailerons to familiarize ourselves with the covering materials. Dash 3 owners won't have this option. Actually we found applying the fabric to the wings was actually easier than covering the ailerons. The larger surface makes it easier to prevent wrinkles from forming. After covering all sharp edges with tape, we applied two coats of fabric adhesive to the leading/trailing edges and rib caps.
We then laid a sheet of Dacron over the surface and brushed adhesive over the fabric at the leading and trailing edges and at the wing tip and fuel tank bay. The fuel tank will be installed later, thus insuring the wing fabric will not be disturbed if we ever have to remove the tanks in the future.
Trim around flap hinges as required.
Here, Storm secures the fabric to the inner fuel tank bay.
After 24 hr drying time, we shrunk the fabric in three passes 250, 300, and 375 deg. Avoid ironing over glued areas at heats above 275 as scorching of the adhesive will occur.
It took about 3 hrs to cover one side of one wing.
It's a good idea to mark your fabric screw holes before applying reinforcing tape. Placing a light under the wing makes it very easy to mark the holes. Use a pencil not a pen.
With all our fabric screw and inspection holes marked it was time to install the fuel tank, reinforcing tape and lots of 1/4 inch fabric screws. Try not to slip with the screwdriver... I did, once... ouch!
Bottom nears completion.
Finally it's time to install the finishing tapes and start all-over-again on the other wing. Dave Miller
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