Removed canopy and drilled and clecoed side rails to F-631s and other side of the F-631 splice plate. Also drilled, countersunk and riveted the forward tabs on the canopy frame. Marked for all the canopy holes on the canopy frame and rechecked frame alignment. Now ready to drill the canopy to the frame.Continued to work on the canopy release mechanism. Our modification adds another bearing block at the bottom of the release tube. Both bearing blocks were drilled out for the attach bolts. The release tube was then drilled out for our locking mechanism (a 1/4 inch bolt) and a nut was welded to the release tube to allow the locking bolt to secure the mechanism. A tab was welded onto the locking bolt to aid in turning the locking mechanism. When secured the locking bolt will be tight against the forward bulkhead. Also a handle was drilled into the release mechanism and welded in place. The release mechanism was then cut to length and installed. The locking mechanism was tested and removed to test the release mechanism for removing the locking pins via the release handle. Worked easily!
