Robert Hughes (UK):
The Dingo is mostly built from 6061 aluminium alloy, which has very good corrosion resistance. Some important parts, however, are made from 2024 which is a lot stronger but less resistant to corrosion. Those parts have to be painted. I wasn't looking forward to doing this, because in the (distant) past I never had much success in painting aluminium. The old paint never seemed to stick very well. I need not have worried, because with modern etch primers it's much easier. The paint itself contains an acid which microscopically etches the surface, so the paint gets a very good grip on it. It also comes in an aerosol so you can get a smooth finish. You still have to degrease thoroughly and it helps to key the surface with a Scotchbrite pad. I don't have a spray booth or extraction facilities, so I improvised with a ladder and a length of dowel outside... The parts in the pictures are the only bits needing painting for the elevator. I masked over the bearing for the pin (connecting the elevator to the fin) so I didn't get spray paint in it. The paint dries quickly, but I'm going to leave it to harden well tomorrow and start assembling the elevator on Thursday.
