Hey all,

I wanted to pick y'alls brains to see if anyone had a preferred method of protecting the leading edges of your plane? I'm wanting to take some preventative care on the Citabria before it gets any nasty nicks on the tail.

I did a search to make sure I wasn't posting a common question, so I apologize in advance if this has been answered a few times.

I picked up some 3M Vinyl tape for now, but the red is slightly off and I'm not thinking this will be a long term fix. Has anyone had any luck with a clear tape?

Thanks in advance!

Not red, but should look sharp against the red.

http://store.wagaero.com/product_info.php?products_id=3812

Barnstormer wrote:Not red, but should look sharp against the red.

http://store.wagaero.com/product_info.php?products_id=3812

That has definitely been a thought as well. Plus I could be consistent and put the black on the white landing gear, which would also look good.

Has anyone tried out a clear tape personally? Or at least seen it in person. I'm thinking that might be hit and miss depending on the brand.

I haven't personally but a friend of mine had clear tape on his for a couple years. It was relatively thin stuff, but did the job of deflecting most of the paint chipping hits. He said every year he'd pull it off and re-tape it. Long term, he ended up going with the Cessna protector which is rubber, prevents the rocks (most rocks) from denting as well as the sand/grit chips.

I have always used the 3M polyurethane tapes in clear. I get it from Aircraft Spruce. It is very durable and can even be painted..

I have always used the 3M polyurethane tapes in clear. I get it from Aircraft Spruce. It is very durable and can even be painted..

Ditto.

3M has a couple of thicknesses but the thickest does not fold around the leading edge of the horizontal stab well at all. If anyone is interested, let me know and I can dig out my spare roll and try to get the catalog number off it.

I have a couple of "scuffs" in the tape that surely would have been a ding without the tape.

TD

I have the cessna black rubber leading edge. It is thicker on the leading edge and then tapers as it wraps around the Horizontal. Probably the best. I have tried clear chafing tape and over time it turned yellow. 1-2 yrs.

3M product I have is 3M 8673 Clear. See below:

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/e ... RCHW15WVbl

This is UV resistant and according to info, does not yellow.

This thickness is easy to work with but still provides protection. The thicker tapes probably will need to be custom formed or take a lot more work to get around a leading edge.

TD

We tried out the 3M tape in Africa on the Caravans, it all yellowed. Use touch up paint.

Thanks for the info everyone!