7/15/2008
Tonight I finished up the latch-work on the canopy. I was going to run a bead of silicone caulking along the edges of the canopy, but I decided to wait until after the latches are in so I can seal it in it's final operating position.
First up were the two canopy bottom lugs. Pretty straightforward installation using the previously drilled hole in the 725 weldment. They were first drilled to #30 to check the fit, and then to #12 for the AN3 bolt after satisfied. I'm not real happy with the right side lug, but it works. It could rub the "landing" at times, and chip the paint...in fact, I know it probably will. I am going to install some guides for it though, so that should help.
After that, the top handle was installed. Another easy install using previously located and drilled holes. This handle is supposed to create the "taxi" position for the canopy, but the welded handle isn't even close to resting on the roll bar as it's supposed to. The weldment seems to be too short, and I'll probably add some length to the aft end of it somehow to allow it to rest on the roll bar.
Then I made the little lift handle on the left side of the canopy. I didn't like how the plans version is made, so I made mine rounded.
With that installed, the canopy is done, other than sealing it, and the front windscreen fiberglass work. Sweet!
2.75 hours