RV-10 Windows Glassing In

[Lynnb]

Just curious if the main reason for glassing in the windows is to prevent paint cracking, or is it necessary to encase the windows to prevent a loss in flight. I've installed my windows with Lord Adhesive, and want to wait on the fiberglass around the windows till it's flying and ready for paint, so maybe a year after first flight. Anyone see any holes in this plan?

Thanks,
Lynn

[rocketman1988]

Aesthetic reasons...I am not planning on glassing over, however, my paint guy might want to do it!

[Kyle Boatright]

There is no reason you can't defer that.

In hindsight, if I got a do-over, I wouldn't glass mine in. Lots of work and doesn't look (IMO) any better than a neat non-glassed installation where the builder made clean cuts on the plexi and left a uniform (but miniscule) gap around the glass.

[kkmarshall]

I too thought the cracking was only cosmetic until I lost the passenger side window in flight! 😳 Mine are glassed over now!

[rocketman1988]

What adhesive was used on the window that you lost?

[Carl Froehlich]

Do it now.

First fill in the gap between the glass the the canopy top with micro. Sand flush after it sets. Don?t forget to sand the glass to prep.

Then a couple of bids over the glass extending to the edge of the adhesive, and an inch or so on the canopy. Use Peel Ply over the fiberglass.

After it sets, add a skim coat of micro to feather in the edges.

Just micro in the gap will crack the paint. The fiberglass eliminates this as well as adds strength to keep the glass in place.

Carl

[kkmarshall]

?07 build with Weld-on

[Lynnb]

Originally Posted by kkmarshall

?07 build with Weld-on

How long had you been flying before the window ejected? Day's? Months? Years?

Thanks for all the replies.

[kkmarshall]

First flown Jan 07,lost window August?19

[rkbrown819]

So this seems like an RV10 "fatal flaw" that could truly be fatal. Has anyone gone as far using screws and nuts to secure the windows - similar to the rear window installation on the RV14?