RE: Comp ARF Valiant
Now let start on the Canopy.
#1 Install the supplied hooks a little beyond the middle of the
canopy facing forward, using a thixotropic epoxy mix.
#2 After this is hardened, measure and cut receptacle holes for the
hooks in the fuse side canopy flashing. Fit the canopy, adjust, and
glue the phenolic U receptacle in place as a catch and alignment
socket. They will need to be trimmed to fit close to the fuse sides.
#3 Use a canopy latch like the BVM™ latch and glue it to the inside
of the canopy with some thixotropic epoxy. Also, glue a piece of
aircraft ply behind the canopy arch former as a hard point for the
latch pin. While it is hardening, let’s work on the front.
#4 Cut out a couple of light ply rails and glue them to the
underside of the canopy flashing on the front of the fuse, and on
top of the canopy flashing on the canopy, using 15 minute epoxy.
Wait for it to harden. This will help with fuse noise and rigidity.
#5 After the rear latch is hardened, install the canopy. Find the
rear pin indent and drill the hole for the rear latch pin.
#6 Using a Dremel™ barrel grinder, drill a hole towards the front
of the canopy through the top skin. Then, use a 1/16 drill, after
aligning the canopy, and precisely drill a pilot hole through the
canopy and fuse flashing, going through the light ply rails.
#7 Now, remove the canopy and drill the pilot hole with a 1/8"
drill bit. Insert a piece of yellow Ny-rod® and glue it in place
with C\A from the bottom side.
#8 Reinstall the canopy and, using a self-tapping screw, screw the
canopy down to the fuse for a final fit test.