Hi Rob I had a full set of covers in the UK which lasted 5 years but then bought a new set when we came to Australia. These covered fuselage, wings, propeller, tail fin & rudder and elevator.
These were made from a medium-weight high-quality American synthetic material, silvered on the outside. I had hoped that they would not be needed, but my hangar construction was delayed (seemingly forever). so the Dimona had to stay outside. The new covers lasted a year without problem, but then just fell apart. I tried patching them with gaffer tape which was just as bad - the plastic tape fell off and the fabric tape came away from it's glue. I replaced one wing cover with one made from marine-grade canvas but it was only used for a couple of months. I could not believe how vicious the Australian sun could be. Note that bird and insect poo will probably rot the cotton covers. I would recommend nothing less than colourbond sheeting - and thoroughly wax the aircraft first! Michael From: Rob Thompson Sent: Saturday, October 23, 2010 5:41 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [DOG mailing list] wing covers parking outside G'day all, Our Dimona is temporarily homeless until we build a T hangar so will be tied down outside for a while. We are making a fly type cover for the fuselage out of 2 car covers which will stretch between the tail and the prop and then get pegged out. We don't think there will be much by way of places where moisture will accumulate underneath. For the wings we are thinking just cotton covers that will dry quickly would be all that is needed to protect from UV. Has anyone tried out this sort of arrangement and found any problems? Anyone got any other ideas? cheers Rob PO Box 129, Lawson, NSW, 2783. mobile 0429 493828 ............................................. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: neville swan <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Fri, 22 October, 2010 12:54:02 PM Subject: Re: [DOG mailing list] Re: NZ Dimona Hi Will. Sounds like you have the same loads as me My location description was not very accurate, the springs are in the fuselage at the wing roots. Would like to try disconnecting them but hesitate to do so without the approval of a senior engineer. Neville.
