Installing a clear canopy. Help!!
 

I am building a Sig 4 star 60. I was very proud of my work until I tried installing the canopy. I used CA glue and ended up with a messed up canopy and damaged film covering on the fuselage. I take it it's best not to use CA. I am ready to start over with a new canopy and would be thankful for any tips regarding canopy installation or the best glues to use.

RE: Installing a clear canopy. Help!!
 

RC-56

Do a search on Tower's site if you're not familliar with it

RE: Installing a clear canopy. Help!!
 

RC56 -- the only way to go. Trim you canopy, get it fit, thin bead of glue and tape it down. Dry's clear, flexible and perment. Besides, if MinnFlyer recommends it, you can't go wrong.

RE: Installing a clear canopy. Help!!
 

Hi,

I use "Pacer Formula 560". I think it's the same kind of stuff as the RC-56. Goes on white like Elmers, but dries clear and stays flexible. Easy water cleanup before it dries if you get too much oozing out.


[link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCX70&P=7]Formula560[/link]

RE: Installing a clear canopy. Help!!
 

does anyone know the best way to tint a clear canopy????---I have not installed in KingCat yet.

Thanks,

Steve

RE: Installing a clear canopy. Help!!
 

You might have to do a search for how to tint a canopy. I have done the Ritt Dye method which involves using blue and black dyes and very hot water. Unfortunately I forget the ratios!
I know there is a thread here someplace with the correct colors, ratios and water temps listed.
You want to tint it BEFORE cutting it out of the extra flash sheet to prevent (hopefully) the canopy from warping. I have tinted the canopy already cut out and as still part of the sheet and still part of the sheet is the way to go. There WILL be some warping but it will be on the edges of the sheet not the canopy itself.
Found the thread I was looking for:
[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3292832/anchors_3292832/mpage_1/key_tint%252Ccanopy/anchor/tm.htm#3292832]How To Tint A Canopy.[/link]
I used this method for the canopy on this Super Sportster 20.

RE: Installing a clear canopy. Help!!
 

Pactra or Testors makes a tint spray in a 3oz can. We have some at the store, that's how I know. I have never used it so I can't say how it works. Horizon Hobby carries it if Tower doesn't.
Seems like a lot less hassle.

Jack

RE: Installing a clear canopy. Help!!
 

I have used the CA method, the RC-56 method, both methods with tape and really never had good results. What I do now and with IMO good results is simply drill small holes around the perimeter of the canopy and attach it with small screws. You very often have to glue small pieces of scrap wood inside the fuse so the screws have some holding power. This method is easy and looks good. Try it and see.

DaveB

RE: Installing a clear canopy. Help!!
 

bbcards,

I just finished my Four Star 40 and what I did was bought some windshield wiper hose (3/32) from the auto store and cut a slit in it and put it around the canopy. I then used CA to attach the hose to the canopy and then I CA'd the hose/canopy to the fuselage. Here is a picture of my plane so you can see what I'm talking about.

RE: Installing a clear canopy. Help!!
 

Thanks for all the great tips. I ended up using "Formula 560 Canopy Glue" by Pacer with great success.

RE: Installing a clear canopy. Help!!
 

Looks great! So when does she maiden?