Wow- float disaster -marvel TD-3

[tcslr]

I fabbed balsa floats for my marvel TD-3. I used EZe Dope fuel proof coating. ( model aircraft tissue dope) After about three-fourish weeks in service, it has turned to a gel-like goop. I didn’t take a photo. 
has anyone had similar? What are you using?

I had and ran a small amount of ethanol gasoline but mostly pure gas. 
 

what a mess.I’d appreciate any comments of what other used or experienced.

Tom

[Larry Schramm]

I use super glue, the gel type to seal the floats.  I use cork.

Edited June 1, 2022 by Larry Schramm (see edit history)

[tcslr]

Thanks, Larry. Just regular cyanoacetate glue? Correct? Tom

[Marty Roth]

I have used a cork float, and coated it with shellac-

Bought the cork at a fishing supply shop-

That has worked properly since 1979, and now a friend is still using the car.

Edited June 1, 2022 by Marty Roth (see edit history)

[Str8-8-Dave]

Tom- My float in my 31 Buick 60 was fabbed from balsa and coated with SIG Supercoat Butyrate model airplane dope.  This is the stuff.  The finish on my float has never softened and it floats like a champ after 2 years in service.   

 

Your best bet is to fab another float, do not try to strip and re-coat with SIG, you don't know what you will get.  Bad news- you picked an inferior product, good news, you caught it before you had a bigger problem.

 

 Supercoat – Clear High Gloss Butyrate Dope – Model Merchants  

 

 

[Bloo]

Keep the success stories coming! This is a very useful thread.

 

[Larry Schramm]

On 5/31/2022 at 11:08 PM, tcslr said:

Thanks, Larry. Just regular cyanoacetate glue? Correct? Tom

 

Yes, and I use old wine corks glued together, formed the float, and coat with superglue.

[Mark Shaw]

Red-Kote Gas Tank Liner also works well.

Damon Industries Red-Kote Gas Tank Liner (damonq.com)