I worked more on the canopy frame. All the rivets are squeezed and shaping complete.
I spent a consideraly amount of time searching the internet for the best method for getting the hinge brackets and hinge pins correct. Many (if not all) the builders have the same problem. It concerns me how many have had to redo the entire frame and assembly. It also worries me how many builders said everything was perfect... then when they added the plexiglass it changed... and when they added the gas struts is shifted. So, I think I have researched it enough and am going to dive into the system I think will work the best. Which... happens to be none of the ones I read about. Basically, it goes like this.
- Rivet the forward fuselage ribs and supports. (I have the clecoed now) - Cleco on the forward skin - Assemble the canopy frame and cleco everything together. - Drill the spacers with the correct pivot point - smaller than final (Image 1) - mark the hinge bracket pivot point. (Image 2) - Funtack or doublestick tape the spacers onto the hinge bracket making sure the hole in the spacer lines up with the marked hole in the hinge bracket (Image 3) - Place the canopy frame into its location (taping down the side and checking all edge distances - Reach under the front skin and mark the location of the spacers on the ribs (Now I know where it should be attached. - Follow Vans plans to assemble the spacers and attach them to the ribs - When the canopy frame is put back and drilled, it seems like it should be very accurate.
In my head, everything works out perfectly. In a few days, I'll see how it worked out! -
