This is typical in this area, mine was like that also, as well as others.
To make myself feel better about it I made some layups on the inside of the
fuselage in this area. I believe it was 3 plys of bid. I was using
heavier stuff than that originally supplied by Europa. My size for the
layup was limited by what I could get in through the access hole in the
back and still do a good job. One and a half to 2 inches on either side
of the bond line should be good. Make sure the surface is sanded and
abraided real well before laying up the mat. My "gap" was larger than that
in places.
Steve
Steve Hagar
hagargs@earthlink.net
> [Original Message]
> From: <EuropaXSA276@aol.com>
> To: <europa-list@matronics.com>
> Date: 9/19/2005 10:22:18 AM
> Subject: Europa-List: Let talk about Fuselage Gaps! <Flame Extinguisher>
>
>
> Lets take a deep breath and get back to building.
>
> I have a question about the way my top is fitting at the vertical seam in
the
> tail area.
>
> I have an 8 to10 mm gap at the vertical line joggles on the tail
section.
> The flange on the bottom half of the fuselage will be only 13 mm wide
where the
> top bonds in this area. < Probably should have cut the bottom flange
wider at
> this point but did not as it was many chapters before this issue came up>
> The top is properly seated at the firewall making sure there are no bumps
or
> mold marks to keep it too far forward.
>
> I originally used ratchet straps to close this gap. It helps but the
bottom
> half of the fuselage tends to bow a bit.
>
> I have noted this same problem on one or two other airframes. Is this
normal?
>
> What is the fix?
>
> Should I fill the gap and do a lay-up on the outside of this area for
> strength? If so how many plies and size?
>
> Brian Skelly
> Texas
> Europa # A276 TriGear
> See My build photos at:
> http://www.europaowners.org/BrianS
>
>
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