After three-four sessions of primer and sanding, the skirt was finally in a condition where I felt comfortable attaching it. The underside of the skirt required white primer, where it would show, to match the cockpit, but black primer where attaching to the canopy and side skirts. (The black primer is the first component of […]
The canopy, windscreen, and side skirt junction wound up about as clean as I could have asked for, highlighted here in the photo.
I love how the wet paint highlights how uniform the skirt actually is.
I did an initial trim of the skirt, cutting along the far line that I made (approximately 3/4″ outside of the “final” trim line). I like the proportions of this so much it may become the final trim line. The low spot, created by the rear canopy lip, is visible when holding a ruler to […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]