Brief Description: Tom Clark fastback - canopy frame
Since I didn't go skydiving today, I continued work on the canopy frame. I worked the left side first, completing the bend and matching it to the lower rail (also required a little bending), which I cut down near where it starts to bend upwards. I'll insert an inner tube into here when they get butt welded together to provide extra strength. I then removed the aft rib on that joins the upper and lower tubes together and this allowed me to bend the upper tube to match the new aft portion. I trimmed and shaped the upper tube to fit shugly into the aft tube. With the left side done, I then completed the same tasks on the right side.
So far, it's come out ok, and I'm pretty pleased with it. Next job will be to grind or file away what's left of the cut-off ribs and make new ones. Also, need to insert a carrier at the aft end where the pin needs to meet the aft rail slider block. I'll try to cut down and re-use the one off the stock frame. Also need to make a fitting for another canopy latch on the right side and also some pins to slide into retainer blocks on the side rails (since the center block that is used in the stock Vans design is no longer available). To do all these things I need to order some more little bits of tube and some 3/16" round bar, so I need to do that on Monday. I also either need to build a jig to hold and position this lot for the welder, or see if I can find someone that can tack it for me.
