lml@lancaironline.net Mailing List Archive

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Scott, My dust cover, glare shield, is actually covered with black leather cowhide. We glued 1/8 inch foam on the top surface and wrapped it around the front of the cover. Under the curl we applied a1/2 inch of sound proofing foam to give thickness underneath and past the front of the instrument panel edge to hide the irregular fit between the cover and the instrument panel blank. I have the Neico instrument panel that angles aft on the passenger side where you install the circuit breakers. This provides difficulty in mating the two surfaces together as the cover climbs up as it goes aft and exposes the top front edge of the panel because the cover is resting on the front edge of the panel. Make the panel thinner but also stronger here and you will improve the situation. The foam takes up the void and it looks quite nice. Most people when using leather sew a french seam on the edge. We opted to stretch the leather around and pull it back. The professional thought it might work but wasn't sure. We discussed it and went for it and we are very pleased with the results. People comment on this. Trick, you spray the glue on both the foam and the leather. Let it set for about a minute. You should have marked your attach points prior to this. Set the leather on the cover in the center of the cover first and work your way towards the edges. be very careful to make sure it is attached and properly stretched in the lower front and side areas where the leather must compound curve and wrap down the sides by the gas strut area. This was our most difficult area. Also the leather will want to bunch up under the aft lip over the panel at the sharp turns. You must start to compress the leather together before you get to the sharp curve or else it will look bunched together. We were successful on the first try. The pictures I put on the net did not show the leather but rather showed the foam prior to covering with leather. Bob Smiley N94RJ robsmiley@home.com Subject: dust cover your dust cover was made of a what looked like a very flexible type of vinyl. Where did you get it/what type is it? thanks Scott LML website: http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html LML Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.