I think it might be a very different thing here in the UK, especially near
the South coast where I live. I once kept an aircraft within 1/2 mile of the
sea. There were definate signs of corrosion after a short time.
All the steel parts on my kit (not Europa) were plated, some aluminium parts
were painted and most of the remaining aluminium parts I have had hard
anodised (not those which are bonded).
Jerry
LTS@avnet.co.uk
www.avnet.co.uk/touchdown
----- Original Message -----
From: "Fred Fillinger" <fillinger@ameritech.net>
Subject: Re: Metal parts.
> I have a 29 year-old A/C, not hangared, and its aluminum parts inside
> the cabin are surgically clean. Only the steel parts are
> zinc-chromated, which itself isn't the best (epoxy chromate is much
> better; successful on the wingtip aileron counterweight arms, where
> the zinc stuff had to be renewed annually). In the rear fuselage,
> vented a little to the outside at the tail, only slight traces
> anywhere, in low spots.
>
> In reading many FAA Service Difficulty Reports over the years, it
> often sees physical forces are the culprit. Aerobatics, banging
> against the stops in high winds, and outboard elevator brackets
> contorting in the propwash. Corrosion aggravates, of course, hence
> prevalent in places vented to outside contaminating air. And Nevada
> is one place, salty coastal states another.
>
> IME, painting (esp. a lighter color) can even assist in visual crack
> detection, but in either case, it's too late. That's why there's dye
> penetrant test and the like. Better yet is design. Europa seems to
> have more beef in these parts relative to its light control forces
> than some other kits and even production A/C?
>
> Dissimilar metal corrosion will occur. I dipped the steel rivets in
> the chromate prior to popping.
>
> Regards,
> Fred F, A063
>
> > Question to the group.
> >
> > I am about to install the control system in the cockpit module and
> > noticed a builder's web site discussing painting the control parts.
> > Is this needed? I was considering zinc chromate for corrosion
> > protection, but I would think a thicker coating of paint might make
> > it more difficult to inspect for cracks down the road.
> >
> > Any opinions out there?
> >
> > Dave Anderson
> > Gardnerville, NV
> > A227
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