Brief Description: Fit and trim canopy to frame and aft bow-1
Now that the windscreen is seperated from the canopy, fitting the canopy to frame and aft bow can begin
1. Made series of attempts to securely clamp the canopy all the way around the frame. This becomes difficult at the aft bow section. I also would clamp some and note where the relief cuts on the frame spars need to be made and then use a sanding drum to enlarge those alittle at a time until I could get the sides clamped down ok.
2. Made a gauge from some scrap plexi that is aprox 1/2 the thickness of the cardboard plate used to make the big cut from the wind screen. I plan to use this to set the min overhang of the canopy to minimize to large a gap from the windscreen later. Also marked several locations on the front bow and canopy edge for realignment when I put this on and off after cutting and sanding
3. I found it easier to clamp the canopy down if I started from the rear and worked forward. This makes it hard however to get the front edge exactly where desired. I tried this by a slight shift forward and after I got it clamped I actualy had extra overhang. This might be useful as I could simply insert the cardboard plate and use it to sand a nice even edge on the front edge. We will see. Meanwhile, The reief cuts had shifted and need to be redone some.
4. With canopy clamped, i made some marks along the canopy bottom edge all the way around and then cut off with the dremel. I left some extra so that it will hopefuly extend slightly passed the stel tube it will eventualy be attached to.
5. Sanded all the edges down again
The plan is to get this cut enough to be close to final and then with it clamped down, make the first drillings through the plxei into the steel tubes and cleco. Im planning on screwing this on instead of all rivits. I think the riv nuts and #6 screws will be the mode of attachment for me. If done properly, should allow this canopy to float enough with expansions etc
Frame secured to table for canopy fitting
Spacer pole cut to length to not allow the aft bow to sink any when the weight of canopy is on frame
Using a small drum sander for a relief cut. The larger scotch brite wheel used on others at times
