This weekend we started by deburring and dimpled all the vertical stabilizer structure.
Then we primed some samples to help us decide on what primer to use. We tested zinc phosphate and NAPA 7220 Self Etching primers. After 24 hours, the zinc phosphate felt tacky. This is unlikely due to too thick of application as I varied the coverage and it all felt the same. The 7220 was very hard. Both samples passed the tape test with no loss of adhesion. I was also amazed at how well the 7220 sample stood up to scratch tests. I took a nickle and couldn’t scratch through the primer with a significant amount of force. Our process is lightly scuff the surface with a maroon scotchbrite pad., acetone, alumiprep 33, alodine, and prime.
At the end of the day, we have everything that’s going to be primed on the VS primed. Still getting the technique down. Some places I was a little light and others I was a little thick. Next step is de-vinyl, deburr, and dimple VS skin. Then we riveting everything together! Too bad I have to go on work travel for the next 3 days.
N928DD 