TYVEK for Glider Cover

On May 19, 3:51*pm, soarboy wrote:
I am considering to replace the top surface of our glider cover with
TYVEK-RV. I am thinking to leave the white side out. Our current
covers really have discolored to brown and the skins have shrunk some.

Anyone have some TYVEK-experience when used as glider covers. I am
specifically worried about any interaction between the wing gel-coat
and the TYVEK, in the rain, in the sunshine and in the wind.
Thanks for any information and suggestions.
Heinz

I have made my own covers out of a car covering material called
Evolution/Block It
http://www.seattlefabrics.com/marine...ion/Block%20It

Works great and perhaps slightly more expensive than tyvek and has a 5
year waranty for
longevity in the sun and weather.

Biggest Issue I found with covers in the hot and windy southern
california climate is that the
material needs good tear resistance due to winds, protrusions and
sharp corners.

UV / temperature resistance is the next biggest factor, even on the
undersides as I used cheaper dacron
material for the undersides figuring no UV would get it and after a
year it shredded itself in the winds.

A soft inner surface is also important as I found that my car fabric
material buffeting in the wind essentially
polishes my wings constantly, which is nice, but another cover I used
on a different plance had some
metal aluminum eylets and discoloured and scratched the wings.

The Tyvek idea sounds interesting but I wonder if it will stand up
the the UV and flapping in the wind
without comming apart.

Another thing that is most important is you get a UV resistant and
very strong sewing thread.

I was thinking I might want to try fishing line of some sort as sewing
thread in the regular stores does not seem
to stand up well.

You will also find that a regular sewing maching will give you fits
but could be successful once you figure out
the right settings. I'm looking at a Harbor Frieght industrial sewing
machine to repair/replace the lower surface on my
covers along with some UV resistant thread.

Ray