Additional Corrosion Prevention

I recently moved to southern Louisiana and thankfully my aircraft components made it here in one piece (actually a lot of pieces because I still have some parts to assemble).  Since I will be living in such a humid environment for the next few years I am concerned about corrosion.  I am told that 6061-T6 is nearly corrosion proof, but in reality no metal really is.  Does anyone have any advice regarding further steps to take to prevent corrosion other than using CORTEC on the mating surfaces?  Or should I not even worry about it?  Any insight would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

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Permalink Reply by david shrader on August 22, 2015 at 3:50am

trapped water will cause corrosion even on 6061.  If you don't have a way to shoot the paint, stick with cortec.  I have used PPG PRC-Desoto completely covering all interior.  Its a great primer that goes on thin and provides great corrosion protection.  This is the paint used on certified aircraft that I work on.  Remember a great paint wont fix a bad prep job.  This paint requires a good respirator, a well ventilated work space, and a good paint gun. 

Yes I would primer all interior pieces if I was in your position if..... I plan to keep this plane, if it will be parked outside, if your home will be Louisiana for more than a couple years.

dave

Permalink Reply by Cory Burggraff on August 22, 2015 at 2:56pm

Thank you for the feedback.  I don't have an HVLP system so I was considering coating all the internal parts with spray-on zinc oxide.  I have never used it before but it was recommended by Steve at the Zenith aircraft factory.  What do you think would work better, zinc oxide or Cortec?  Cortec would be cheaper but whatever works best is what I will go with.  Thanks again for the feedback

Cory

Permalink Reply by Mark Maltais on August 22, 2015 at 9:59am

I put on a light coat of zinc chromate on ALL mating surfaces and Zinc Oxide overall spray all all internal parts.  Zinc Oxide is less toxic, so I was sprayed it with an automotive HVLP gun. Very worth it, especially since I want to use mine on floats!  Don't need much, just a light dusting.  The chromate sticks WAY better though, which is why I used it on the mating surfaces. I've worked on 60 year old planes that use this stuff and you can clean the parts up to look brand new!

Permalink Reply by Cory Burggraff on August 22, 2015 at 2:41pm

Thanks for the advice and the picture of your project.  I do not have an HVLP system but may buy some spray-on zinc oxide and cover the internal parts like you did.  I will only be here for a few years but my plane may eventually be put on floats as well.  Thanks again for the feedback.

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