planejim(at)bellsouth.net
Guest
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 Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 4:12 am Post subject: 601 Canopys |
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Listers,
Re: 601 canopys.
I have the tinted Lexan ( not plexiglass ) canopy that came with my kit in
early 1995. I unrolled it and built a simple shelf suspended from the
cieling in my basement to store it up out-of-the- way until I needed it. I
thought it might take a "permanent" set while rolled up. In hindsite, I
don't believe it would have been a problem.
I fitted the canopy about a year into the project. Please note that I have
the old side to side opening type. I used a Dremel Tool with the thin small
cut-off wheels to do the trimming. I went slowly and made many cuts removing
small amounts at a time, alternating front and rear until it fit nearly
perfectly with 1/8" gap at the bottom edges ( fore and aft ) allowing for
the rubber seal that I attached. Believe it or not I made a total of 32
small cuts but the canopy fit was very nice when I got done.
I used the small rubber bushing in each of the attach holes, and was very
careful to not over tighten the sheet metal attach screws. I tightened them
only enough to prevent the washers under the screw head from rotating. I do
check them ( the washers - to see if I can rotate them ) regularly. Early
on I found a couple loose and just tightened the screw very little until the
washer wouldn't rotate.
Now after 10 1/2 years and 541 hours I have no cracks, distortion, crazing
or other major problems. I have one minor scratch; my fault!
Caution, don't let gasoline get on the Lexan. It will cause crazing. Since I
have the sinle fuel tank just forward of the canopy, I don cover the Lexan
when refueling so that I don't splash fuel directly on the Lexan.
Bottom line, I don't fly at night so the tint is a good thing for me ( I
live in the hot Georgia sun). I don't fly in the rain so I have no water
leaks. I have alway kept the airplane either under roof or in a hangar and I
keep a canopy cover on it. So I don't have the problems some of you do.
One final thing, I believe working with the Lexan is easier and more
forgiving than Plexiglass. I have worked with both over the years.
do not archive
Jim Hoak 601HD - 912UL - 541 hours.
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