lkahn4

Okay guys
So here's the update....
Garage hovering in the mid 90's starting at around 11AM and I try to get at least 20 minutes before heat stroke sets in
Here's a pix of the canopy getting ready to make the final frame cuts and fit the clear canopy pieces so I can finally get the canopy mounts done so it looks like I got some progress done
Was hoping to be further along but work and heat are becoming great hinderance to that
Boyd, any suggestions before I take the Cutting wheel to the canopy?


Stay safe guys
Larry

redtail

My Feedback: (15)

Hey Lil Brother, do you have a plastic film over the clear canopy to protect it and that you will take off after the installation is complete? Of course, looking very professional. Smile. Chic

lkahn4

Hey BIG Brother
No, once I get the canopy frames cut and after I paint I will glue the clear into the frame since I'm sure the chances of getting another one is slim to none.
Since the daughter is here and her bedroom backs up the garage I can't do any serious cutting or noise until she awakens from her beauty sleep, am hoping she gets a job that she has to get up at 7AM, that would give me 2 hours before the garage gets unbearable
Hold off on the professional until I actually cut the frames, I could end up with a bunch of pieces LOL

Rougarou

How in the hell do you get in touch with Dave Pratt? I emailed them but nothing in return.

Chad Veich

My Feedback: (60)

Dave is retired and all of his products are now handled by Belair in the UK.

Home

lkahn4

Hey guys,
Between the heat and part time job (if you can call 20+ hours/week pt) I finally got the doors made for the nose wheel.
4 layers of 5 ounce glass, have to redraw the center line but they are nice and stiff so hoping to get to cut them today or Monday since work calls

redtail

My Feedback: (15)

Wow - nice glass work for a part-time worker. Smile. Still working to finalize the elevator/rudder controls before I install both side blisters and close up the big opening in the rearward side of the fuse. We had rain and 60+ degrees here today. Stay safe and Stay well my brother. Chic

maser

Good work. Keep it up.

lkahn4

I would kill for temps In the 60s even the 80s 😂

lkahn4

Okay so here's todays REALLY DUMB ?, glass the fuse before I cut out for the nose wheel doors or after?.....
It's a puzzlement

redtail

My Feedback: (15)

I'm scratching my head - but - since the doors are already glassed, sand the scrap glass off, cut and pull the doors off, and then glass the fuse, then reinstall the doors. Unless you want to make the doors even thicker, then leave them in-place and glass the whole thing. Smile. Chic

lkahn4

Thanks brother, just wanted to make sure my thinking was right....

lkahn4

Okay guys, after much head scratching and rethinking I have the canopy halves as close as I can get them.
There is a problem half way down the aft canopy it is in almost an 1/8" in from the fuselage, am thinking of 2 more brass slides but not sure if it will help??????
If you look closely you can just make out where I'm talking about....
HELP!!!!!!!

Larry

redtail

My Feedback: (15)

Can you take a side view photo? Not sure what I am looking at from the top. Chic

maser

Larry,

I'm not so sure I would do a sliding canopy next time. It's time consuming trying to get everything to fit properly.

Did you ever find the front canopy? Or will you have to make it?

Boyd.

redtail

My Feedback: (15)

Larry/Boyd - I will install the Avenger pilot's canopy permanently open. I have had enough trouble along the way. Chic

maser

Chic,

It seems like a lot the old WWII movies showed the canopy open for dive bombers anyway.

Boyd

lkahn4

Guys,
Thanks for the info, here is a shot of the side that Chic requested.
As I was reading Boyd's response about permanent placement I had an epiphany, I may make some wood hard points to screw the canopy onto the fuse so I can remove it to install the cockpit kit and pilot when I get to it
I really need to thank you guys again for staying with me on my slowwwww build, my A.D.D. isn't helping one bit


Larry

lkahn4

Boyd,
Spoke to the guy months ago, said he would let me know when he found someone to make the new canopies.
Never heard from him so I'm going to have to make it myself, just one more thing to figure out LOL

redtail

My Feedback: (15)

Larry - totally agree with using hardwood pieces to line up the canopy with the fuse sides. May take some time but it does look like a viable solution. Is it an age thing with regards to slow building, ha, ha. Over time, I have settled in to knowing that "SLOW" isn't sooooooo bad after all. Smile - just makes sure you are doing a better job. Holler at you later. Shirley and I are heading to the gym for our twice weekly (Tuesday/Thursday) hour visit. My doctor always tells me that - "Motion Is The Lotion To A Better Life". Chic

lkahn4

Hi guys,
So here are the pix pf the front canopy with the mounting blocks attached and cut, need to shim a bit but it lines up great, whew... also discovered that the sheeting had let go from the formers at the top of the fuse
Took care of that last night and will mount the blocks today...progress

redtail

My Feedback: (15)

Nicely and Very Neatly Done. Knew you had it figured out. Chic

lkahn4

Thanks, not what I wanted but it works... on to the rear canopy

lkahn4

Okay guys,
Here is the pix of the canopy redo, 99% done, need a touch more spot putty to get the 2 sections to match.
I also got the exhausts mounted to the cowl, a bit more sanding and I'll be ready to start glassing the fuselage FINALLY
Tomorrow is outside XMAS decos and then setting up the throttle servo and choke on the Avenger. As soon as I get an answer to my gyro ? I can do that and finalize all the throws and be ready for another maiden

Later guys
Larry

maser

Larry,

Will it be ready for next flying season? What is the gyro you got. I've been thinking about getting one myself.

Boyd.