The International Cessna^® 170 Association

It looks like someone used some sort of silicone or rubber impregnated fabric or tape to seal all the bug holes where the floor meets various structures. It's very thin (maybe 1/32") and durable, but is beginning to peel and get ratty. Plus the original install was pretty sloppy.

Anyone know what this is, or where I could get more? I'm happy with it's function and would like to replace with similar. It doesn't need have its own adhesive, since I could just install with a contact type. Ideally it would be 4" + wide so I could custom cut shapes and do a nicer install than the original.

Initial searching hasn't quite lead me to the right product. Any help would be appreciated. Anyone else have an alternate/better solution?

See photo:

Hopefully you will get some responses that will be helpful. In my opinion someone went to a lot of unnecessary effort. The amount of air that sealing all those "bug holes" might stop wouldn't be worth the effort. All Cessna's of our vintages have these openings and I have never had any issues with them or known of anyone trying to seal them.

Flex-Tape. (Just kidding. I used some this week on a torn vinyl tractor seat and that tape is INDUSTRIAL RUBBER. You’d better have it cut, fitted, and ready...when you apply it. Heavy dooty adhesive.)

170C wrote:Hopefully you will get some responses that will be helpful. In my opinion someone went to a lot of unnecessary effort. The amount of air that sealing all those "bug holes" might stop wouldn't be worth the effort. All Cessna's of our vintages have these openings and I have never had any issues with them or known of anyone trying to seal them.

Yeah, mostly I just like having them there to help keep sand, screws, dust, etc.. out of the belly. It makes it easier to vacuum and wipe after a trip. Maybe I'm overthinking it.

GAHorn wrote:Flex-Tape. (Just kidding. I used some this week on a torn vinyl tractor seat and that tape is INDUSTRIAL RUBBER. You’d better have it cut, fitted, and ready...when you apply it. Heavy dooty adhesive.)

Hmm..Gear Aid also makes a woven nylon fabric tape designed for tents, and camping gear that would probably work. I do wonder how careful you have to be with the adhesives possibly being corrosive to aluminum for it, flextape or any other. Think there is any risk there?

Vertical wrote:

GAHorn wrote:Flex-Tape. (Just kidding. I used some this week on a torn vinyl tractor seat and that tape is INDUSTRIAL RUBBER. You’d better have it cut, fitted, and ready...when you apply it. Heavy dooty adhesive.)

Hmm..Gear Aid also makes a woven nylon fabric tape designed for tents, and camping gear that would probably work. I do wonder how careful you have to be with the adhesives possibly being corrosive to aluminum for it, flextape or any other. Think there is any risk there?

No concern re: the adhesive used.... but I’m serious about being prepared during placement. That stuff is sticky. (MEK will remove it, however.)

I found that “silver backed aluminum” tape from hardware store worked for me. When my home heating vents were replaced, the repairman left some of his high temp tape for me. I also use it to cover old screw holes.

I've used aluminum tape. It works, but it's easily punctured and a little tricky to fit over non-flat surfaces.

At the other end of the durability spectrum, Polyken 231 tape is tough enough to be used as media blasting masking. It's an attractive Mil green, too.

Gaffer’s tape is very similar to duct tape but has an adhesive that typically does not leave a residue.

I was reminded of this thread when jumpseating home yesterday. The interior liners in our cargo planes are joined together with tape. Here’s a couple of pictures. Bit pricey at Aircraft Spruce.