Sailplane Refinish Part 3 - Gelcoat Removal

Part 3 of the sailplane refinish series picks up with old crazed gelcoat removal. After grinding down and sanding, voids and pits were discovered. The wings were covered with a vail cloth to provide a consistent surface.
wingsandwheels.com/
www.schaeferaviation.com/

[@itchy108]

I've got my LS3 at the same stage now. A LOT of work. The glass on the wings looks less 'porous' than yours but we added a vale cloth to the tailplane and repaired a crack on one flaperon.

[@markplain2555]

Question: when it comes to checking the weight and balance. Instead of using scales - wouldn't be "more prudent" to build a strong u-shaped rig, connect the rig to the bolt holding the wings together at the CofG and then hoist the rig and hoist the entire glider at the CofG. Have a pilot sit inside and visually see the glider balance?

[@wingswheels]

That method works on small models but not accurate enough for a full scale sailplane. Weight and balance is performed by raising the fuselage to a specified level then recording weight the main and tail wheel. Calculations are performed which provide an exact CG location.