Dennis: In 1965 Razorback was the hot fabric for covering. In May of 1965 Stits (now Poly Fiber) had just issued the first copy of their covering manual. Razorback was a fiberglass fabric which was impregnated so dope would stick to it. The important advantages were it was a lifetime fabric and the fabric would not burn, the dope would though. The disadvantage was the price. I also think it was heavier. The dope could be rejuvenated if you didn't cover it with enamel, no polyurethane back then. As with Poly Fiber seams could be made with just overlapping the fabric for a very strong joint. We got enough fabric to do the fuselage and tail for free by putting on a demonstration at a Chapter meeting. I've since also used Grade A cotton, Ceconite, and Poly Fiber. I'll choose Poly Fiber any day.
For our demo we started with the tail surfaces. You apply the fabric smug, no shrinking. The fabric is pulled up tight with the dope, which by the way just keeps on shrinking.
After the first coat of Dope the ribs are stitched and tapes applied just like doing cotton but with RazorBack tapes.
The top and bottom of the fuselage were covered first and the sides applied to form the needed overlap.
We didn't have quite enough to finish the rudder. At this point everything but the rudder is doped and taped.
Ready for the engine.
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