4/15/2008
Tax day, right? Ah, I'd rather work on the RV! I'm kidding any of you IRS types reading this! I did ours back in February...got the refund...already spent it on RV stuff! {8^)- Maybe it was dog stuff...
This canopy frame is TIME INTENSIVE!! It's hard to believe that there is so much work involved in building the frame. Anyway, I kept working on the reinforcement kit tonight.
First, I clamped the canopy frame to three saw horses, and made sure it was level. Gotta make sure there is no twist in the frame before the braces go on. I kept two levels on the frame the whole time I was working on this to make sure it stayed that way.
Then the braces were clamped to the frame.
Drilling was a no brainer, but it took forever to drill all those holes.
Next up were the clasps that connect the slits that come off the lightening holes. These get drilled from the outside, even though they are installed inside.
After that, I removed everything to deburr, and start dimpling parts.
Back to the clasps...like I said, these are installed on the inside of the braces so they are not seen. The plans call for universal rivets to be squeezed here, but I didn't want to see a protruding rivet head when the canopy is open. I opted for flush rivets.
I still have some dimpling and countersiking to do before I paint the frame...funny thing...I lent my countersinks to my friend Jim for his Sonex thinking that I wouldn't need them for a while. Two days later, and I need them. I also need my C-frame...which he has too! Oh well, I'll pick 'em up sometime this week.
2.5 hours