Brief Description: Preparation for windshield fiberglass layup.
The last three days have been preparing for the windshield fiberglass layup. We have taped off the windshield and canopy for protection. We will also use masking paper to cover the fuselage areas during the layup. We have taped off the areas on the plexiglass and nose skin that will be layed up with the epoxy and fiberglass cloth. We initially taped off the plexiglass 1" from the edge, and the nose skin 1" from the plexiglass. After receiving some advice from our tech counselor, we increased the nose skin area to 2" around the plexiglass. He said the layup on the plexi is a chemical bond while the layup on the nose skin is a mechanical bond.
We used red, yellow, and black electrical tape to build up an edge on the plexi and skin to lay the glass cloth between. We used 7 layers of tape which will be removed one layer at a time as we sand the layup into a concave shape from the skin to the windshield. When we get to the last red tape, we know that we have to be very careful sanding. The "hood" strip that is layed over the gap between the windshield and canopy will consist of about 4 layers of fiberglass and one layer of carbon fiber for strength. We used 60 grit sandpaper to prep the areas on the skin and plexi that will be bonded.
The temp was 101 degrees today, so that when we do the actual layup we'll have to arrive early (7:00AM) to complete the work before the temp gets too high. There should be no problem curing these layups!!
We've done a lot of sweating with a lot more to go! Thank goodness for our cooler full of cold water and Gatorade!!
Canopy bow taped for the "hood" strip from the windshield.
