How are vortex generators attached to the wing? I know that they are glued on, but do you need to strip off the paint before glueing, or do they glue on to the paint?

Robert

I'm sure the method for application depends on the manufacturer. The ones I'm familiar with (Aeronautical Testing Service vg kits ) have you rough the paint with a scotch-brite (sp?) before you apply the glue. The glue sticks better to a rough surface.

I used a medium CA, which has worked well.

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Mfg should recommend, but mine (experimental - Stolspeed.com) are attached with an acrylic adhesive that comes on a paper backing that comes with the VG. It is removable easily, but holds fantastic. Never lost one. Broken some, and the broken one is easily removaable and replaced.

See here: http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Converter_Solutions/Home/Prod_Info/Prod_Catalog/?PC_7_RJH9U5230GE3E02LECIE20GER4_nid=GSCWR4982Lgs4Q43M9FFQ2gl3PH7CTP7K0bl

Installation.
http://stolspeed.com/installing-vortex-generators


Image:

The kit from Micro Aerodynamics in Washington came with adhesive. You scotch bright the paint a bit and glue them on.
I did my 182 two years ago.... none have budged a bit.
I do my own fueling.... so no one drags a hose over them.
But, I have always done my own anyway.... I just like seeing what is in there and how much.
The VG's really gave me low speed control. I am quite glad I made the investment. I left them bare aluminum.
They are too small to worry about paint in my opinion....

Sorry to swing this topic in another direction, but how do people ever knock VG's off the wing while fueling? I don't have VG's but I've always put the fuel hose over my right shoulder when fueling, it never touches the wing at all. Do some people drag the hose over the wing while they fuel or what? I figured it would be common sense not to do that.

Answer
When you are on a ladder, wind is blowing and ladder has a little frost on it and you slip and take one off with your elbow. Thats right before you land on your butt on the ground.
Also same circumstance and you take one off with the bone in your thumb as those little buggers are sharp when you impact them at a high rate of speed! Of course you do have your duct tape to fix leaking hole in hand or elbow?
Thats how come they don't have the manual lock the gas nozzle open attachment on them!! Sprays lots of gas when you throw hose to catch your self!
I know thats one way to take them off.
The other is trying to get the wing covers on or off!!
And yes some times the hose does fall off your shoulder when things just go wrong. But HAY thats just me, I'm kind of a clutz sometimes.
I'm sure there are more ways than this to lose one!
GT

LOL

Not everyone fuels with a hose either. Occasionally catch one with the edge of my metal gas can when I'm not paying as much attention as I should.

But mainly it's the wing covers. More careful than I used to be and I haven't lost one this winter.

once&futr_alaskaflyer wrote:LOL

Not everyone fuels with a hose either. Occasionally catch one with the edge of my metal gas can when I'm not paying as much attention as I should.

But mainly it's the wing covers. More careful than I used to be and I haven't lost one this winter.

I can definitely see how wing covers would be a problem. I used to fuel out of gas cans a lot too, always plastic ones though. I found the best way was to set a towel down to protect the top of the wing, then place the gas can on the towel, then siphon the fuel from the gas can to the tank using a small hand pump.

soggyc wrote:.....The ones I'm familiar with (Aeronautical Testing Service vg kits ) have you rough the paint with a scotch-brite .....

Not familiar with that outfit. I've heard of Micro (stc'd) , Boundary Layer Research (stc'd)(which are the ones that Cub Crafters sells now I think), landshorter, & stolspeed. Are the ones you mentioned STC'd for certificated airplanes?

knocked one off pulling the anti dust covers off one day..put it back on with super glue and went flying...

flying through a hail storm is a great way to knock them off. not that VGs are the greatest of your wories at that point, so I've heard.