RV8 Canopy

RobDob · Post by **RobDob** » Wed May 25, 2011 10:45 am

Hi all

Finishing off the trimming of my '8 canopy & have a quick question!

Does the top forward skin need to be riveted for final trimming & fitting of the canopy? I'm away at the moment & my co-builder is trying to make sense of the plans so I thought I'd ask the extensive expertise of this forum for advice!!

I thought the plans state that the skin cannot be riveted until the panel is finished but thought the canopy could be finished prior to that....

Any advice gratefully received!!

Cheers

Rob

Bob Barrett · Post by **Bob Barrett** » Wed May 25, 2011 7:11 pm

I built a 6A Slider and in my opinion the Instrument panel, and preferbly all connections to engine, lights, fuel lines, must be made or provided for. Yes some things can be added but once that top skin is riveted it gets a lot more difficult

I had my top skin clecoed in place and trimed the canopy and windshield to the clecoed top skin. I know that the top skin on a 8 is different but you want to wait to the last possible minute to rivet the top skin and fasten the windshield. It was literlally the last thing I did before taking it to the paint shop. I had to fiberglass the windscreen in place etc.

lancef53 · Post by **lancef53** » Wed May 25, 2011 7:55 pm

No, It doesn't need to be riveted. Use lots of clecos to keep everything in place, and cut and trim away

I would wait as long as possible before riviting the skin on, unless you like to work upside down.

RobDob · Post by **RobDob** » Wed May 25, 2011 10:31 pm

Thanks guys; I thought that was the case but wanted to double check!!!

RobDob · Post by **RobDob** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 9:26 am

And now for the next question!!!

I have the canopy all trimmed now; just needs tidying up around the edges. When it sits on top of the canopy frame (which sits well on the fuselage) there is quite a large gap towards the rear between frame & canopy.

The windscreen has not yet been cut from the canopy. Does the perspex need to be pulled to meet the frame? I don't want to cause any stress to it obviously. Not sure if I'm missing something. I will be using the sikaflex bonding method, not riveting.

Thanks in advance guys.

Rob

lancef53 · Post by **lancef53** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 3:41 pm

After you get the rear hoop the proper distance from the rear fuselage skin, it will take lots of trimming to get it close. Make sure you have your 1/8" spacers glued to the canopy frame when you are trimming. I ended up making the windscreen cut before I finished getting it to fit the back of the canopy frame. It isn't a fun job

RobDob · Post by **RobDob** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 12:57 am

Thanks. It just looks as if contunual trimming won't get it to fit, but I will have a closer look next week. Just worried if I keep trimming after the windscreen is off they'll never meet properly when the canopy is closed!! LOL

Cheers

lancef53 · Post by **lancef53** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 4:20 am

I know how you feel. It seems like you will never get there, and then all of a sudden you have gone to far.

I wouldn't worry too much about the windscreen, if you have trouble getting them lined up you can always use a flat wrap windscreen like the rocket has.

RobDob · Post by **RobDob** » Tue Jul 12, 2011 11:13 pm

Canopy bonded to the frame, YEEHAA!! Cheers for the help guys.

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Wed Jul 13, 2011 6:48 am

Excellent!! Thanks for the update Rob! Post some pics when you can!

RobDob · Post by **RobDob** » Wed Jul 13, 2011 7:03 am

Hmmm, I gotto figure out how to do that! Presume I need a 3rd party host for it?

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Wed Jul 13, 2011 7:04 am

Nope, just get in touch with Spike to set up a gallery on here for ya. Then all you do is grab them from your gallery to post in the forum.

RobDob · Post by **RobDob** » Wed Jul 13, 2011 7:48 am

Thanks Chad; request made!!

RobDob · Post by **RobDob** » Wed Jul 13, 2011 8:09 am

Gallery sorted. Anyway, time to bore you chaps!!! (Please bear with me!!)

From this;

To this;

Without doubt, for me, the single scariest part of the build to date!!!!

Thank for all your advice this far guys; appreciated.

lancef53 · Post by **lancef53** » Wed Jul 13, 2011 8:10 am

Looks great!!

RobDob · Post by **RobDob** » Wed Jul 13, 2011 8:12 am

I can't figure out why the last 2 pictures aren't showing and they're the ones of it bonded!!!!!! Very confused!!!

RobDob · Post by **RobDob** » Wed Jul 13, 2011 8:13 am

RobDob · Post by **RobDob** » Wed Jul 13, 2011 8:19 am

And even more confused!!!!!

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Wed Jul 13, 2011 9:13 am

The space between RV and Canopy in your pic address is causing the problem. There needs to be a - or _ between the words so there is no break.

tmbg · Post by **tmbg** » Wed Jul 13, 2011 10:10 am

Unless you know internet hax