WATT AGE P-47 Thunderbolt EP ARF Assembly Instruction Manual - page 11
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STEP 2: ALIGNING THE BELLY PAN
❑ Cut a hole in the bottom of the belly pan to access the wing hold-
down screw. Position the hole on the centerline of the belly pan, 5/8" in
front of the back edge.
❑ With the wing installed onto the fuselage, position the belly pan onto
the wing. When lined up properly, the sides and bottom of the belly
pan should be even with the sides and bottom of the fuselage, and
there should be few or no gaps between the base of the belly pan and
the wing.
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Some small gaps between the belly pan and the wing are normal.
They will be filled with silicon when the belly pan is glued into place.
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✦IMPORTANT✦
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✦ So that the wing can be installed and removed, there should be a small gap between the fuselage and the front
and back of the belly pan.
STEP 3: INSTALLING THE BELLY PAN
❑ Remove the wing, lay a long piece of wax paper over the wing saddle,
then reinstall the wing, making sure that the ends of the wax paper are
covering the joints between the fuselage and the leading and trailing
edges of the wing.
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✦IMPORTANT✦
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✦ It's important to use wax paper or plastic wrap when you glue the belly pan to the wing. The wax paper will
ensure that you don't accidentally glue the wing to the fuselage when you glue the belly pan into place.
❑ Apply a generous bead of silicon sealant to the base of the belly
pan, making sure that you cover all of the gluing surfaces.
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Make sure to use enough silicon sealant to fill any small gaps or
irregularities in the glue joint.
❑ Set the belly pan back into place and realign it. When satisfied with the alignment, push the belly pan down firmly and remove
any excess silicon sealant, using a paper towel and water. Hold the belly pan securely in place, using pieces of masking tape, until
the silicon sealant completely cures.
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✦IMPORTANT✦
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✦ It will take the silicon sealant about 24 hours to fully cure. We suggest not moving the assembly during this
time. You must allow sufficient time for the silicon sealant to dry.
❑ After the silicon sealant has fully cured, look carefully at the glue joint between the belly pan and the wing. If there are any gaps
in the glue joint, carefully fill them using extra silicon sealant. Make sure to remove any excess before it cures, using a paper towel
and water. This will ensure the strongest possible bond.