Teflon gap seal tape...

Mark,

We installed mylar seals on the bottom just behind the tubulator tape. We
installed the 1 1/4" wide teflon tape attaching 1/4 " to the wing just
behind the 1/2" wide adhesive for the mylar seals. The thickness of the
adhesive and the teflon is the same about .007". With the flaps pushed up to
simulate max refax ( the flap and airelon will go up farther), You can mark
the flaps and airleron only with the aircraft assemble and refaxed with full
airleron stick deflection. With the wing turned upside down and the flap and
airleron set to the previously marked position you can then apply the teflon
tape.
The teflon tape is not easy to apply and get the edge straight. I suggest
you practice on some scrap pieces before yo attempt to apply the 25' of
continuous application you will need. If someone in your club has previous
expertise you may want to ask for help.Wings and Wheels sells the tape which
is lite brown in color and costs about $50.
The last tibbit of info is that getting the teflon down flat and without
airbubbles will offer you an additional challenge. If you are an absolute
perfectionist, you may want to investigate professional installation. It
will be difficult to do without flaw.

Good Luck,
Bob Fidler
"Marc Ramsey" wrote in message
m...
I need to replace the flap/aileron gap seal tape on our LAK-17A. The
control surfaces are bottom hinged, and the gap was factory sealed on the
bottom with what is apparently ordinary polyethylene tape. The tape cracks
over the hinges, which I would have to patch periodically, plus it shrinks
over time, limiting control movement and increasing stick forces.

It seems like Teflon tape is the way to go. I poked around and found
multiple online sources of 1" x 18 yard Teflon PFTE tape with high
temperature silicone adhesive on one side, available in thicknesses from
.0035" (~$25/roll) to .0115" (~$75/roll). There are less readily
available variations with acrylic adhesive, along with "High Density" PFTE
(100% stretch instead of 300%). Does anyone have any idea what thickness
and type of tape would be best for my needs?

Thanks,
Marc