Brief Description: Fabricated canopy brace and match drilled.
I fabricated the canopy braces by drilling lightening holes slightly smaller and placed differently than was shown on the plans. It took about three hours to mark, cut, and deburr the braces. The lower flange cuts were made partially on the band saw, saber saw, and hack saw. What a pain! We had seen on the internet that we should leave more material at the front of the brace to allow for a notch to install the front bow-to-roller bolt. Of course the plans did not show this. It pays to learn from others and thankfully these builders share their mistakes and good ideas.
The lower flange on the brace is cut under each lightening hole so that the brace will bend as it is match drilled to the side skirt. One has to push the side skirt against the side fuselage skin while match drilling the brace to the skirt. This gives the close tolerance fit to the fuselage when the canopy is closed. But first, the braces have to be match drilled to the cockpit side of the canopy frame side bows which we accomplished with Charlotte pushing on the side bows. I'll match drill the bottom flanges to the skirts tomorrow. Enough for today because we're hot, sweaty, and tired (it's "Hot" here in Texas). Anyway, it's time for Happy Hour and supper!!
Braces before the lower flanges were cut.
Match drilling brace top flange to canopy frame side bow.
