Since I have the canopy on the airplane due to checking out the seat cushions and I received the beautiful handle from my friend Rick....so may as well get the canopy handle fit.
I was actually able to make a small program on my mill to go in and machine the latch...it took a little bit of doing but the handle latch is just about there. The point is to allow it to latch without clamping too hard that it distorts the canopy according to Vans instructions. The canopy block on the slide over-centers and the pin enters the block, the reality is all the canopy latch needs to do is just keep the canopy in place and not allow it to slide back.....a large clamping force is not required all that it needs is a positive contact and very light pressure.
So I took a large amount of material off the handle based on measurements and Sharpie markings I made on the latch. Then I started sneaking up with light cuts.....it is almost there!
