Lost some time this week and had to redo some work. Fitted the panel according to instructions - leaving a 1/8 gap clearance for the seal rubber and cut the holes for the hinge brackets and mounted the gas struts. Then pulled it all apart and fitted the rubber seal to test the fit - and sure enough the panel fit had moved far enough that the mount holes wouldn't re-align!
Filled the holes, then offered up the panel again (with the rubbeer seal installed) and redrilled the holes - they were about 1/16 moved from the first fit. Refitted the panel and gas struts and was back where I started 2 days ago!
Did some more trimming of the canopy frame - having the rubber seal installed gives a much better idea of where the canopy will sit - but the top of the frame didn't follow the contour of the fuselage. The centre section is 1/2" too low (too flat). Called Dennis (Australian agent) and he advised to remove the rubber seal (to protect it) block the low centre section up and clamp down the two side curves - then apply heat to change the curve in the frame. Repeatedly heated and cooled (with a wet rag) the curves - then left the frame clamped. Will see in the morning if the curve has changed enough for a reasonable canopy fit.
Made another motivational visit to Peter T at Serpentine Airfield - he has just had his Lightning return from the painter - and it looks beautiful! Can't wait for Peter to get his in the air .........
