12
Mounting the Hatch & Canopy
The hatch mounts to the fuselage by two
tabs on each side that are attached at
the rear of the hatch. They are already
built into the hatch and should have 6-32
blind nuts mounted in them. Set the
hatch in place and check to see that the
6-32 bolts (supplied) thread easily into
the blind nuts. You may have slightly
enlarge the holes in the fuse if the blind
nuts don’t line up perfectly. Check also
to see if the 2 dowels are protruding out
of the front at least ¼” – and that they
are glued in securely. Once you are
satisfied, remove the hatch. We will now attach the canopy to the hatch. If there
is an air gap between the mounting tab and the inside of the fuselage side, you
may want to fill it with a piece of scrap plywood. We have had a few incidences
of flyers over-tightening the mounting bolts until they broke or weakened the glue
joint on the mounting tabs. This resulted in the hatch flying off in flight – leaving
the mounting tabs still bolted in place.
With a Covering Iron, touch-up any wrinkles in the Ultra-Cote covering where
your canopy will sit. Make sure the Ultra-Cote is stuck well to the balsa in this
area. Once the canopy is glued, you will not be able to get into this area. Carefully
trim the canopy to fit the hatch. Leave a small lip in the front, it makes the attach-
ment more secure. Trial fit it several times until you are happy with it. Remem-
ber, you can always trim more off but it’s hard to put back on. Attach the canopy
with whatever is your favorite method. Some people use tape, some glue the can-
opy down, some use small screws. This is up to you. If you use small screws add
some hard wood such as 1/16” ply to back up the balsa wood of the hatch. I like
E-6000 clear glue found at your local hobby store. If you use it, run a small
bead(1/8” diameter) all the way around the canopy. Holding the canopy by the
edges, open it slightly and carefully lower it into place. Use a few pieces of elec-
trical tape to hold it in place overnight. Don’t worry about any E-6000 that may
squeeze out. It is actually easier to clean after it hardens. You can trim it carefully
with a sharp X-acto and roll it off.
