I need to replace my wing root seals. Where can I get the material? Can it be done without removing the wing?
EDITOR’s NOTE
In answering this, I am using information from past MML postings (thank heaven for Tim Flight’s MML search facility on BAC!). I have slightly paraphrased or combined the postings of others, but have given them credit based on the names in the MML postings. I am away from my parts books, so I can’t confirm this, but here is what I have in my personal aircraft parts database for the original Beech part number:
169-110000-1 Wing root seal. Possible extrusion number is 15092.
From: Pat Reeves
The wing root seal that is sold from Wag-Aero and Aircraft spruce is the same for the Musketeers. I just put the same seals on our mouse and they worked fine. Actually the 12 foot length is too short for both wings, and is about 5 feet too long for one; you have to buy two seals.
From: Bruce Byer
My Wag Aero 1999 catalog shows Beech wing root seal, catalog number H-798-000, in 11 foot rolls at $46.25 USD. Their web site is www.wagaero.com. My 1999 / 2000 Aircraft Spruce catalog shows it in 12 foot lengths as catalog number 05-00040 for $36.95 USD. Their e-mail is [email protected], and their website is www.aircraft-spruce.com.
From: Sam L.
Get ready for a tough job, but it can be accomplished without removing the wing. I just replaced my WR seal. I had a heck of a time doing it, but I found a way to get it done; and it only took about an hour or so.
1. Remove the old root and clean the metal with a non-petroleum based cleaner. If you use petroleum based cleaners, the rubber seal will be damaged.
[Ed. note: Denatured Alcohol, or a professional rubber adhesive cleaner (such as the 3M Adhesive Remover, are safe to use. The DA (not rubbing alcohol) is easier to come by, but will not remove old adhesive as effectively.]
2. Leave the WR seal material in the sun for a few hours to soften it up. I bought mine from Wag Aero, and it was a lot stiffer than I expected.
[Ed. note: A hair dryer, as opposed to a heat gun, will usually safely heat rubber and plastic to gain workability, without causing the material to change characteristics or causing shape reversion]
3. The root seal does not slide on from either direction – it can be pressed into place using a 1″ wide DULL putty knife – nothing sharp!
[Ed. note: Sometimes a stiff plastic putty knife, or stiff plastic body filler spreader, will also help. Things like popsicle sticks and hobby sticks usually break too easily]
4. OK, here’s the trick – the seal is tough to get into the gap, especially the narrow portions. Go to the pharmacy and get a water based lubricant such as KY Jelly. The water-based lube works well, will evaporate quickly, and will not damage the seal. The seal will slip right into the gap, for most of the section.
5. You will have to remove the under side of the seal where the wing spar attaches to the fuselage. Just use a little silicone glue to bond that portion of the seal to the wing.
[Ed. note: I’m not a fan of the silicone adhesives. If they fail to bond the first time, and they often do fail, it can be very difficult to get a second attempt to bond in that spot, even after using silicone removing products. The clear or black polyurethane adhesives, or the two-part Polysulphide adhesives as are used to set the windows, have worked better for me, for places that require very strong bonds. For normal attachment, the best product for general use is the 3M Super Weatherstrip Cement in Black color. Professional products like this can best be found at professional auto-body supply stores. Then you’ll be assurred of getting the real thing, not some cheaper knock-off. When you are putting this much work into something, it is unwise to compromise on the materials.]
If you take your time and have a little patience, you’ll end up with a great looking and effective seal.
From Oz:
Phil – A paint shop can rubber coat the seal and make it look new. I replaced the wing root seal on my 1982 Sundowner last year. It is not difficult but is a very tedious job. It took 8 hours to replace each seal. Mechanic told me it wansn’t going to be as easy as it looks, but I didn’t listen. Talk to the paint shop before you rip the old seal out.