ORIGINAL: carsondoc

I'm building a 4*60 and need some advice for the canopy. I've seen some photos of "cut down" canopies for the 4*60 and some blacked-out canopies that I think look good. My questions are

1) How do I black-out the canopy?

>There are 2 ways that I know of to do this. The 1st method is to soak the canopy in RIT
>dye (there are several links here as to the exact procedure ). This is more of a semi
>see through coloring (tinting). The 2nd way is to get some RC car paint for lexan bodies and
>spray the inside of the canopy.

2) Can anyone describe how they cut down the 4* canopy?

>How are you trying to cut it down ? Open cockpit or shorter canopy ? Either way I
>would use either a dremel with a cutoff wheel (make sure you do not run the
>speed too high or it will melt the edges ). Then carefully sand the edges with
>some 150 followed by 220 paper to remove any burr.
>Do multiple passes with a #11 blade. The #11 blade will give a cleaner edge, but
>is more difficult keeping a straight edge. The 3rd possibility is using a pair of scissors.
>I have never done it using scissors, so I can't help there. I USUALLY use a dremel
>with a regular (not heavy duty ) cutoff wheel. The regular cutoff wheel is much
>thinner than the heavy duty ones. Expect them to break and ABSOLUTELY WEAR
>SAFETY GLASSES if you decide to use the dremel.

3) What is a good way to attach the canopy?

>If you want the canopy attached permanently use RC-56 Canopy glue. This goes
>on white and dries clear. Any "oops" can be cleaned with soap and water WHILE
>IT IS STILL WET.
>
>You can also attach the canopy using screws. If you go to the local hardware
>store (Ace, True Value ) they have a fastened section. What you want are #2
>screws 1/4" long with an ovsize head (wide head ) OR washers to go between
>the screw and the windshield (harden the holes with some thin CA ). The
>windshield can be trimmed with some self adhesive trim material.
>
>If you have a detailed cockpit you may want to make certain the edges of the
>canopy/windshield are sealed to minimize/prevent and exhaust residue from
>getting at the detailed cockpit.

Thanks for the help.