In a previous post I was discussing the fact that I can get some of the 3M tape to use on the trailing edge of the Rudder vs using the tank sealer. After doing a bit more research I was seeing multiple comments from people that were getting better results using the Tank Sealer approach vs the 3M tape. Since I will have to use the tank sealer for the tank anyway (and already had some sealer on hand) I decided to go with the tank sealer method.
Set aside a 2 hour block to make sure I could get it all done. I previously purchased a mixer adapter for my drill as well as a surplus sealant gun. I ordered a 3.5 oz tank sealer in a tub so I could easily mix it up and use the dispenser. Honestly it wasn’t that big of a deal. Maybe if I was mixing it manually and didn’t have the dispenser things would have been a bit more difficult.
Using the gun I dispensed a line of sealant on the Trailing Edge, then spread it thin using a wooden stick. Apply to both edges, then cleco into place just to hold it down. The directions recommend to get a second person to help hold the top skin while you blind rivet the ribs, but I didn’t have one. Some scrap wood to keep the skin off the Trailing edge and the sealant, and I was good to go. (My big hands don’t work well in those small spaces, but that’s just me.)
Currently this puts me at a work stoppage for a bit while I let the sealer cure. Only so much room in the garage and plenty of other things to do around the house. I may be able to fabricate some of the next parts for the Horizontal Stabilizer but we’ll see.