A newer kitbuilder than me! I've just bent people's ears on this subject,
which probably should be granted FAQ status. Thanks all. A single
paragraph in the builder's manual definitely allows for a "learning
experience". You should check back through the Europa Club archives, and
the Hints and Tips compendium. But this is what I've decided to do. Please
be aware that I am NOT an expert on the subject and am only presenting what
I've learned. BB members please chime in.
Aluminum parts to be wholly or partially bonded into the structure:
Alodining. Chemical conversion
process that improves the bond and has lower risk of debonding than scuff
sanding naked Alu. The surface needs to be thoroughly cleaned of the native
oxide. Alumprep and Alumiwash are both good possibilities, as is a good
scrubbing with an Ajax slurry. Folks who know have some real issues with
acid etch pretreatments.
Other Aluminum parts: Alodining, then painting. Some longer parts may need
to use the Thursby cap and slosh technique with epoxy primer or Zinc
Chromate/Zinc Oxide.
Steel parts: Many folks have had their parts plated. The part needs to be
baked after pretreatment to avoid embrittlement. Epoxy primer?
Stainless Steel: not sure. Just paint?
Shaun Simpkins
A207
----- Original Message -----
From: "Leisch, Steven" <Leisch@CSD.com>
Subject: RE: Identifying Alu and Steel parts
> As an add-on to this question, what are the preferred methods of corrosion
> protection for the various metal types?
>
> SL, A208
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Shaun Simpkins [SMTP:shauns@hevanet.com]
> > Subject: Identifying Alu and Steel parts
> >
> > All:
> >
> > I'm perusing my pack of parts, preparing to properly proof them against
> > corrosion (sorry, couldn't keep up the alliteration), and wonder how one
> > determines the difference between Aluminum, Steel, and Stainless Steel.
> > Aside from the obvious weight difference between Alu and Steel, there
> > appears to be a distinct grain to the surface of steel parts, but not a
> > clear difference between regular and Stainless steel.
> > In the tail kit, for example:
> > XTW12 - aluminum, by weight and lack of grain
> > XTW09 - steel, regular? by weight and grain
> > FL7 - aluminum?
> > TP16 - steel, but Steve G. sez it's stainless
> > XA2 - aluminum
> > Any hints?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Shaun Simpkins
>
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