covering PA-18

[idaho taildragger]

I am covering a PA-18 and i also have all the bottom panels that could just be screwed in....a couple of people say just cover it forget the pannels because they are to heavy..any input would be nice.....
Thanks

[mike mcs repair]

usually i just have a ~3' tail panel... rest fabric...

[skywagon8a]

The advantage of the full length panels is to make it easier to wash out the insides when the Cub is used for a spray plane. Lots of bad stuff gets inside when it is an ag plane. If your purpose is not ag work, then do as Mike says. Cover it all except for the aft three or so feet. Also leave the lower triangle at the tail post open. This area tends to collect dirt and moisture, when enclosed, which promotes rusted tubing.

[DW]

Yup what they said.

[mike mcs repair]

... Also leave the lower triangle at the tail post open. This area tends to collect dirt and moisture, when enclosed, which promotes rusted tubing.

we used to leave that open(just covering to it on sides, but back open), but found out we were getting CO problems.... and covering/plugging back of it help fix the CO problems..... some sort of vacuum it set up or such...

[phdigger123]

Personally, I like the full metal belly on my cub. You can really get inside and do a good inspection or maintenance. The couple of pounds the panels add is well worth it.

Mike

[8GCBC]

I Love to inspect, clean and lubricate aircraft...The more places I can get into the better. The more removable covers the better for me!

Your desire(s) and mission(s) may vary.

[aktango58]

My first cub had the full metal belly. A little bit of silicone stopped all co2 and co issues..

That said, here are the questions I would ask myself in the decision process, (I think it is about 4 lbs or so for the front pannels)
1. will I ever have dirt on my shoes when I get into the plane?
2. will I ever land on salt beaches, or salt water?
3. Will I ever drop a bolt/nut or other item through the holes in the floor?
4. will there ever be grass, dust, birds or such that deposit stuff under the floor?
5. Will I ever decided to add/subtract/modify something on the plane and want to reach under there?
6. will the price of my inspections go down with the removable belly?
7. Do I anticipate ever changing control cables?

If you find a yes to many of these, especially the dirt and stuff, leave the metal belly on.

[Lance]

I had the full panels on mine and really liked it that way. Every so often I would remove them to clean and inspect. I would do it again.

Also had a buddy run over a pretty stout dead bush with my cub that if it was fabric would have left about a 5' gash along the bottom! Metal belly was no problem.

Lance