How to Repair Cowlings on Piper Colt
Kent,
I have a 1961 Piper Colt. There are a few small cracks in the cowling that I need to repair. I have done some welding in the past, primarily arc, but also some TIG and Gas on steel. I have three questions.
1. Is gas welding aluminum hard to learn for an amatuer like me ?
The Tin Man Respondeth:
IF YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE WELDING NOW, THEN IT SHOULD BE FAIRLY EASY.
2. Is gas welding suitable for cowling repairs?
The Tin Man Respondeth:
MANY SAY IT IS THE WAY TO GO.
3. What alloy did Piper use for cowlings in the Tri-pacer / Colt era ?
The Tin Man Respondeth:
IT VARIES. THIS IS WHY I USE A TEST KIT. PIPER WEBSITE? IF SO, THEN ASK THEM. I ROUTINELY GASWELD .032 COWLINGS, JUST LIKE THE LADIES DID FOR THE PAST 60 YRS.
Kent
Thanks, I am going to order the video.
Patrick Gunn, El Paso TX
See also:
Welding: TIG vs. Gas
Welding Aluminum
Complete Piper J-3 Cub Training Series DVD
