23 |
P a g e
Edge 540/2.6m
It’s important that you fit the canopy while the canopy frame is
attached to the fuselage, this will keep the frame properly aligned
and not twisted. Masking tape is used to hold the canopy in
position prior to gluing. It may pay to have another pair of hands
available to assist you here. Perhaps you can bribe your best
buddy with a beer, or two (after their assistance)!
When you have trimmed the canopy and prepared the canopy
frame, attach the frame to the fuselage and secure in position
with the mounting bolts. Make up some grip handles from
masking tape and attach to the canopy. Use as many as you see
fit, but usually 4 will do the job. Carefully place the canopy inside
the fuselage through the opening in the canopy frame.
Lift the canopy into position with the masking tape handles you
pre-fitted. Once you have the canopy settled in position start to
tape it onto the canopy frame. It’s easier to start with the top of
the canopy first, then the front and sides. Tape all the way
around the canopy edges. Use your finger nail to push the tape
snugly against the edge of the canopy frame. It doesn’t hurt to
run a few overlapping layers of tape to secure the canopy.
Remove the canopy frame from the fuselage. As you undo the
mounting bolts take note to see if the frame is distorted. Now is
the time to fix this if it is distorted. Place a towel or something
similar on the work bench so you can work on the canopy without
marking it.
A syringe is one of the easiest ways of applying the silicon
between the canopy and frame. A 30ml syringe has more volume
than required, but its physical size makes it easier to handle, it’s
great for guys with big hands! Attach about 100-150mm of fuel
tube to the syringe, with a small piece of brass or alloy tube. You
should have some off cuts left from the elevator hinge pins. Bend
a gentle radius in the brass tube and carefully flatten the end a
little, so it can slide between the canopy and frame. You will only
need to half fill the syringe with silicon, and it is a little easier to
manipulate the plunger if the syringe is not completely full.
Insert the brass tube between the canopy and frame, and start to
squeeze the silicone between the two. As you squeeze the
silicone into position carefully keep moving the brass tube along
the canopy until you have gone all the way around. Gently run
your fingers around the inside of the canopy to settle the silicone.
If any of the masking tape has lifted away from position, gently
press it back into place. If a little of the silicone has oozed
between the tape and the canopy, don’t worry, it will easily clean
off, either with a gentle rub, or with a little mineral turpentine.
Reattach the canopy to the fuselage and bolt into position. Leave
it in position until the silicone cures. After several hours (4-5) the
silicone should be touch dry and you can start to remove the
masking tape. Leaving the canopy overnight is also a good
option if you are unsure. When you remove the tape, simply rub
away any silicone that has come above the tape. Mineral
Turpentine with a soft cloth can make it easier. Jobs done!