43 J-3 Cub Tissue
Covering the Rudder
Gene Wallock is one of the all time masters
on tissue covering. One example of his beautiful work is the little
Monocoupe shown below. So I called him up yesterday and got specific
instructions on tissue covering from him before I started on covering the
J-3 Cub.
Here is what Gene said to do:
1. Use tautening nitrate dope
(I am using Randolph's Dope).
2. Dope the frame work with unthinnned dope right
out of the can and sand with 400 grit when dry.
3. Dope the frame work two more times with 50/50
dope (dope cut 50% with thinner), sanding
with 400 grit between coats.
4. Apply tissue
(shinny side out) with a
small brush dipped in acetone
(tissue will stick to doped frame work instantly!)..........never
use dope to stick the tissue down with!
5. Cover both sides of frame work, then shrink
with water from an atomizer.
6. Apply two coats of 50/50 dope, allowing drying
time between,
7. Add black tissue panel lines and trim with
acetone and dope the trim once.
8. Apply one to two more coats of dope cut 50%
with thinner and your done.
I decided to start with rudder first as shown
below because it would be the easiest to cover. Besides, I could build a new
rudder quicker if I completely screwed it up.
This shows the rudder covered on both sides with
Cub Yellow tissue. At first, it was a little tricky getting the tissue to
overlap on the outside edges, but I finally got the hang of it.
Rudder covered on both sides with Cub Yellow
tissue held up to the light.
Tissue shrunk nicely using a light mist of
atomized water.
Tissue doped with one coat of 50/50 tautening
nitrate dope. I left the picture below larger so you could better see the
drum tight tissue. :O) .....................Tandy
Thanks for the help Gene!
