ORIGINAL: srekar
Wow, that is lot of relief to see your post Mike. I was worried when the Canopy formers were not mathing perfect with the F2T and TDF. Dean was aksing me why the 1/2 inch gap was there between F2T and Canopy Former looking into photos and I was not able to understand why that Gap was there.
Yes, I did not glue the F2T yet, so I will put it back of F2 and hopefully that should align the Canopy formers close to F2T and TDF. I will confirm this later this evening.
Thanks a lot for correcting me.
..Srikar
A few pics for you.
With a hard sanding block and 80 grit paper, sand a slight bevel on the aft top edge of F2. This just lets F2T adhere better.
Note the dimension marked on the fuse drawing, that measurement is taken at the top middle stringer, from the front face of the firewall to the aft face of F2T. This sets F2T at the proper angle. Glue it on with a thick blend of epoxy and milled fiber, wiping down the excess. You just want a strong joint here.
After sheeting the front end, and setting the canopy frame, I glue the canopy to the frame using a jig that I made. It's just a piece of MDF board cut undersized so the canopy frame overhangs and doesn't interfere. A few inches below I made a flange to tape to. Tape the frame down to the flat piece of MDF and glue the canopy on. Run the tape snug but not tight pulling the canopy against the frame. Again you just want minimal gaps. If it's tightly pulled down, you will distort the angle. just snug and make sure the rear face doesn't change angles or you will hate life. if you wish, make a piece to brace the rear face so it can't move. This is probably the best way to do it.
-Mike