I decided to Sikaflex the canopy as I do not like the idea of creating 69 potential stressors (rivet holes) and not being able to control the pressure as the rivets are pulled. Yes they are soft rivets but rivets never the less. Tony Bingelis (Sport Plane Builder page 194) has this to say...
“The acrylics manufacturers caution users of their products to avoid the creation of localized stresses, especially those caused by the use of bolts, rivets, screws or fasteners of any type…..
To avoid local stresses, design your installation so that the total load is spread over a large area. Logic leads to the conclusion that to be able to do this means the elimination of screws and all direct bolting of Plexiglas…...”
Tony wrote that in 1979 before bonding with Sikaflex (a marine product) was discovered - I suspect he would have approved of this method, though only time will tell.
1) Mask off the areas you do not want any primer or Sikaflex - electrical tape is recommended for the finish line and normal tape for masking. I used Sika Breaker tape for the finish line, which appears to be the same material as electrical tape but is 6mm wide and follows contours really easy. Some builders use two layers of tape but I chose to use just the one and it worked out fine.
2) Scuff the canopy and frame with maroon scotchbrite pad and wipe with a cloth.
