What's new
Van's Air Force

Don't miss anything! Register now for full access to the definitive RV support community.

How to Install the Wingtip Light Lens

Skybolt Al

Skybolt Al

Well Known Member
I did a search but didn't find anything on this. Does anyone have a good suggestion for installing the wingtip lens? I'm guessing that I should install a #6 plate nut in the top and bottom corners, stick on some weatherstripping around the perimeter, paint the lens around the perimeter to cover the weatherstrip, then screw it down with a FH screw.

Am I on the right track? Thanks.
 
Pretty much - I don't have any weather stripping (yet) :D, the clearance is pretty flippin' thin, you'll have to abandon the stripping idea or use something very low profile.

But yeah, you've got the basic idea. A pair of #6 screws.

0000114l.jpg
 
I did the same. Just the 2 corners. The only issue I had was trying to set solid rivets for the platenut. The joggle in the fiberglass tip for the plexi cover makes it really hard to get those rivets set. I ended up using some pull rivets. Eventually they will be filled and painted over.

IMG_1859-M.jpg
 
As I recall ....

....The two-platenut approach is what Vans recommends. I think it was outlined in the written instructions (i.e. not on the drawings). That approach worked great for me on one side but not the other. On the 2nd side I had to add a couple more platenuts, likely due to my not trimming/shaping that lens correctly.
 
Another option without using nutplates

Scuff the inside of the wingtip and put a blob of flox where you want the screw. After the flox cures, drill and tap the fiberglass and flox for your #6 screws.

Two screws per lens is fine.

Regards,
 
The only thing I'd add is to consider using #8 screws instead of #6.

If I was starting today, there would not be a #6 screw anywhere in my plane. Even using good screwdrivers, I'm getting tired of stripping #6 screws.

Jason
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top