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-   -   Canopy installation (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=159375)

krw5927 04-10-2018 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warbingtonmasonry (Post 1251740)
Thanks, Kurt.
That is exactly what I need to know. No screws/bolts through glass to tube?

That's correct. Only one hole in the canopy for the latch mechanism to go through. There's no way around that one on a RV side-by-side slider canopy. No other fasteners nor holes in the plastic canopy.

warbingtonmasonry 04-11-2018 09:20 PM

I am reluctant to drill holes in my new canopy,
and am 99% persuaded to only glue it on with 3m 5200.
I looked at an RV4 with a side-hinged canopy.
Screws every 4-5" only is what fastened it to the 1/2" tube frame.

Michael Henning 04-12-2018 06:19 AM

My holes were for the clecos to hold it in position. All deburred.

FinnFlyer 08-31-2018 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Henning (Post 1251822)
I used 3M 5200 fast cure on my canopy. No mechanical fasteners, remains flexible, single stage, recommended by Todd at Todd?s Canopies. 3 years, 190 knots peak speed, no cracks and no problems. I have a piece(5? Long) in my hangar with a standing bet- put one end in the vise, and with a pair of channel lock pliers, if you can get it apart $100 is yours. One cartridge will do it for about $25.

Hi Mike!

I'm close to having to make the decision whether to use fasteners or adhesive.

How many years and hours on the RV-4 now?
Any signs of cracks, grazing or other adverse effects on the canopy?

How thick were the washers (spacers)?

I saw one post where no spacers were used -- not needed per 3M. I find that unlikely due the the expansion differential, about 1/4" over 160F (-10F to 150F).

The 3M 5200 seems a lot cheaper than Sikaflex and appears easier to apply?

Finn

sblack 12-10-2018 10:22 AM

I have had to remove a canopy skirt on my -4 build due to excessive gap when the canopy is closed. I need to make it 1/6th wider. So I drilled out all the rivets and pulled it off. It was stuck with 3m 5200. That stuff sticks like $!!# to a blanket. I need to try to remove it. Tried a heat gun. Nothing. Razor blade doesn't really work - you have to put tons of force on and that is a really good way to slice open the personal plumbing. Anyone have any ideas on how to remove it?

If I had any doubts about this stuff for keeping my canopy on they are gone. I understand it is not UV resistant so it needs to be painted. but the stuff is stupid strong. No primers or fancy prep - just cleaned and degreased with rubbing alcohol. I am not using fasteners.


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