Continued to prep the parts for the canopy by deburring and then pre-drilling the angles that will be used to secure the plexiglass bubble to the canopy decks. Attached the gas struts and then we mounted the frame on the fuselage. All fit rather well. The first time we tried to OPEN the frame ---- Disaster! The forward edge of the canopy frame caught on the instrument panel forward fuselage deck and bent it quite a bit. Disappointed to say the least!!! Reading forward 3 steps in the newly revised plans, it says this is a possibility. Wish I had read AHEAD and understood what it was trying to tell me. Oh well! Spent the rest of the day repairing the damage. With the seaming pliers, I was able to bend the deck back into shape. I also removed some of the deck overlap with the scotchbrite wheel. Maybe a bit of body filler later to smooth the bumps. Will go to the hardware store tomorrow and get some brass washers.
The plans SHOULD require the washers at the pivot point as others have experienced the same!!
The pictures show the deck after the repair.
Canopy Hints Link
Time Today including the Repair - 6 hours
