There’s a notable dip in the skirt, stemming from the high lip on rear of the canopy. I hoping a little filler will be able to go a long way here. Otherwise, the skirt is pretty fair from the tape technique used, and I’m overall very happy with it.
The first removal of the rear skirt proved is didn’t have enough structure. A few more layers of good cloth and it now proves to be structurally sound–remember, this piece will also be fastened permanently to the canopy, offering ample rigidity and suppport. Now it is time for careful trimming, filling, and sanding to prepare […]
I’m dreading this fiberglass around the canopy and windshield. I’ve heard horror stories. And I know I’m not starting with as perfect of a foundation as some. (My canopy is sitting a little high, and has some “lumps.”) That said, like most things I dread, I’ve thrown myself right at it. The first several layers […]
Getting the systems in the center tunnel corralled has long been on my list. This goes hand-in-hand with prep for the stick grips, which also require a clean exit from the tube, and insurance that none of the wiring will infringe on the stick movement–even as we add a massive 9-strand cable into the mix. […]
The side skirts were attached. Now first, I think I have to mention that the previous fitting issue with the frame was resolved with some brute force reshaping of the frame WHILE the canopy was attached to it. Scary, as I thought there was about a 50/50 chance the canopy would crack… With the canopy […]
The canopy latch blocks are chunks of Delrin that require a compound angle to accept the “spike” that holds the rear canopy down. Not overly difficult, but requires a fair amount of measuring, marking, and then creating a hold-down clamp for the drill press. Once drilled, these appear to push the canopy up slightly, increasing […]
After cutting the forward canopy tubes to height, I have further issues with rubbing on the aft skins. Again, the project hands me a circular set of dependencies: you can’t cut the tubes until the frame is fit, you can’t fully fit the frame until the tubes are cut. Unfortunately, in this instance, I’ll be […]
With the Sika dry, I test fit the canopy and frame, including the initial side skirts. Initially it looks good. I’m a little concerned about some rubbing at the aft skins. I’ll have to look into it. The side skirts show that much adjustment is needed to canopy height, and some to the angle of […]
Today I attached the canopy to the frame with Sika Flex. This was terrifying. I used copious amounts of tape for protection, two layers in critical areas, and did as much preparation and research as possible. In the end, the Sika was easier to work with than I expected. Cleanup, working time, all aspects were […]
Once again, the panel returns from the fabricator; this time for good. I love every aspect of it, and wasted no time applying the dry transfer decals. They came out equally as good. All of the pieces coming together is a real joy. I think the result surpassed my expectations. All piece will receive lacquer […]