Author: "johnsz32" <szantho@...> Time: Sun Aug 7, 2005 7:51 pm PDT Link
I have been working on my RV9-A sliding canopy. Although slow,
everything was going along pretty good until today. Previously I
bent the frame into shape; the position of the frame in the canopy
was perfect. Drilled the latch hole, clamped everything together and
cut the plastic according to VAN's instructions. Now that I am
clamping the whole assembly back together to drill the holes for the
rivets/screws I notice that the canopy does not sit on the frame as
I imagined. Depending on where I clamp, it seems to develop small
bulges (about 1/4"-5/16") in other places that I have to pull in
with additional clamps (the force is quite light, but the screws
will have to do the same job). I am worried that this might cause
tension on the canopy and possible cracks. Is this the normal
experience, or am I facing the expense of a new canopy (anyone knows
the cost of a new canopy)? The edge distance from the bows is
according to the plans after everything is clamed together and it
looks pretty good. Can any of you help? I wonder if it's safe to
start drilling (first time builder)? Sorry for the long post.
John
RV9-A N3294C
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Author: Tim Coldenhoff <rv9a_001@...> Time: Mon Aug 8, 2005 5:09 am PDT Link
johnsz32 wrote:
> cut the plastic according to VAN's instructions. Now that I am
> clamping the whole assembly back together to drill the holes for the
> rivets/screws I notice that the canopy does not sit on the frame as
> I imagined. Depending on where I clamp, it seems to develop small
> bulges (about 1/4"-5/16") in other places that I have to pull in
> with additional clamps (the force is quite light, but the screws
> will have to do the same job). I am worried that this might cause
> tension on the canopy and possible cracks. Is this the normal
I went through pretty much the same thing. I clamped the plexi
to the frame and let it sit in the sun a few days; also put a
small space heater under it for a while. It pulled in a little
bit, but still bulged as you described (actually, much worse).
After permanently assembling the whole deal two years ago, there
has not been any problem with it. Although I am sure there are
stresses on it, the plexi has not cracked.
As for normal...? I think everybody has had at least some degree
of problem, wether it is the frame or the plexi not agreeing to
stay in the shape of a canopy, or poor slider operation once it
has been assembled. There are so many things that can flex and
twist that it is almost impossible to make a perfect canopy.
I would say just do your best to make it fit as is and don't
worry about needing a new canopy until the first one actually
breaks. After a few more months of building, you will wonder
what you were so worried about. :-)
--
Tim Coldenhoff
N194TC - Flying!
http://rv9a.deru.com
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Author: Danny Lawhon <dlawhon@...> Time: Mon Aug 8, 2005 5:10 am PDT Link
use spacers under the front roll bar as needed to get
a good match up for the epoxy fiberglass, remember the
holes in the plexi are bigger than the screws so it
can move around a little (as not to crack the plexi)
in rough flying, (I hope this works as I don't know
how to fly very good yet:-) also don't make the latch
too tight as it will pull the roll bar back and move
the holes around.. keep that in mind..
Danny..
--- johnsz32 <szantho@usa.com> wrote:
> I have been working on my RV9-A sliding canopy.
> Although slow,
> everything was going along pretty good until today.
> Previously I
> bent the frame into shape; the position of the frame
> in the canopy
> was perfect. Drilled the latch hole, clamped
> everything together and
> cut the plastic according to VAN's instructions. Now
> that I am
> clamping the whole assembly back together to drill
> the holes for the
> rivets/screws I notice that the canopy does not sit
> on the frame as
> I imagined. Depending on where I clamp, it seems to
> develop small
> bulges (about 1/4"-5/16") in other places that I
> have to pull in
> with additional clamps (the force is quite light,
> but the screws
> will have to do the same job). I am worried that
> this might cause
> tension on the canopy and possible cracks. Is this
> the normal
> experience, or am I facing the expense of a new
> canopy (anyone knows
> the cost of a new canopy)? The edge distance from
> the bows is
> according to the plans after everything is clamed
> together and it
> looks pretty good. Can any of you help? I wonder if
> it's safe to
> start drilling (first time builder)? Sorry for the
> long post.
> John
> RV9-A N3294C
> Yahoo! Groups Links
> RV-9A-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
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