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Jims RV-8
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Date:  6-30-2018
Number of Hours:  5.50
Manual Reference:  9-3
Brief Description:  Canopy Skirt #3

Time to do the left side initial trim. I decided to move the trimming outside to reduce the dust buildup in the shop. Even though it was substantially hotter, it was a good decision as the shop wasn't severely dusted.

I made the scribe marks in blue and the extra 1/2" in red just like before and then went outside for the cutting to the red line. After making the initial cut I was taping the skirt to the frame and realized that the fit wasn't as good because the canopy handle weldment is on the left side and it needs a hole cut in the skirt in order to fit. The instructions say that the skirt should fit pretty well before the hole is cut for the canopy handle. Well, I also needed to prop open the canopy 1/8" (so that the final fit is better when the canopy is closed). It was then I realized that the place they have you put the spacer is between the C661 Slide block and the C806 anchor block (the aft point of connection in the canopy frame). Problem is, mine doesn't fit flush together …so, I slightly drilled the 1/4" hole in the slide anchor and now the pin fully seats. Ironically, it was about 1/8" from seating, so the spacer is now installed and I can proceed. Of course, I had to remove the canopy to drill the hole.

I made a few cuts on the skirt and got the fit pretty good, but I wanted to drill the handle hole so as to lock in the standard, repeatable placement...so I shined a light thru the hole from behind and marked the hole - then drilled it out with a unibit until it fit on the outside of the weldment.

In looking for the canopy handle, I also determined that it was time to clean the shop of all the dust - so the shop was cleaned! I also pulled out the hobby heater I used to build RC models with some 25-30 years ago. I wanted to heat the aft end of the skirt to see if it would lay down better. I taped it down after heating the skirt - turns out the gun still works and it did help the fit.
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outdoor cutting - much better

outdoor cutting - much better

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canopy handle hole

canopy handle hole

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initial fit waiting to see if heating helped aft fit

initial fit waiting to see if heating helped aft fit

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