Windshield downtube paint chipping off

[Geoff]

Anyone out there as frustrated as I am about the paint chipping off the center windshield downtube?  Does anyone have any suggestions other than repaint?  Somewhere a long time ago I saw a velcro cover for that tube but now I can't find it anywhere.

[KSMooniac]

I've got the same issue...I believe the simple fact is that most finishes do not adhere well to stainless steel.  Aero Comfort in San Antonio makes an attractive leather cover, but I haven't opted to get one yet.  I would venture that just about any auto upholstery shop could make one cheaply given some dimensions, too.

[M016576]

Mine has the same problem... it sucks: no matter how nice the leather seats and panels, if the paint is chipping on the bar, it's noticable enough that the interior "feels" cheap (or worn)....

[DonMuncy]

I cut a strip of the same soft leather I used to cover my yokes. The strip is about 1/2 inch wide and long enough to cover the entire post, spiraled from the top to down below the level of the glareshield. A dab of some appropriate adhesive to hold the top and then pull it tight as you spiral down. Done carefully, it looks really nice. You will have to do a little fitting as it goes over the mount for the compass, but definitely doable.

Don

[M016576]

Do you have any pictures?  I'd love to see how it looks (like I mentioned above, I'm currently shopping for a solution to this!!!!

[DonMuncy]

My plane is in for an annual, but when I get it back, I'll try to get some pics.

Don

[Jerry 5TJ]

I used bicycle cork handlebar tape to cover the steel tube.   The tape covers the wires to the compass light, and makes for a nice feel when you use that downtube as a handle.   I used black but there are lots of nice colors available at your local bike shop.   Cost was 0.004 AMU.

 

[fantom]

I have the Aero Comfort leather cover. Looks great, tail number on it, two piece above and below wiskey compass and velco taped. Makes grabbing the center post when entering and exiting a non blistering event. IIRC, cost about $40 extra, when I was buying the leather yokes.

[Geoff]

Got a pic of that AeroComfort cover you could post?

[fantom]

Quote: Geoff

Got a pic of that AeroComfort cover you could post?

[Geoff]

Aero Comfort in San Antonio sells a "compass post cover" which is leather with a velcro closure for $26 and if you want one embroidered with your N# its $42.