RV-8 flatwrap windscreen

[GuppyBob]

Question for anyone who has used a flatwrap windscreen on their -8...did you need to cut down the rollbar to allow the windscreen and canopy to fit together better? I've looked at either raising the canopy or lowering the rollbar so that the steeply sloped windscreen would "flow" better into the curve of the canopy. I really like the look of Lyle Hefle's canopies, and I have the flat wrap from airplane plastics. ANY help, advice, photos, etc. would be GREATLY appreciated...thanks!!!
Bob

[db8]

I too am going to do this (though not ready yet). Any additional info would be great. Thanks. Dave

[panhandler1956]

I'm a huge fan of Lyle's airplanes too. I love the flap w/s, much more like an F-15.

I'm using a longer than stock w/s and modifying my baggage door.

This picture shows the stock w/s vs the new one..




Click on the link on my address for details.

[Shockwave]

Wow, those look awesome. Were you able to just order just the windscreen or was it an entire canopy?

[GuppyBob]

Chanler,
You just order a "flatwrap" windscreen from the folks at airplane plastics. They will know what you mean...I am still researching how to make it fit well, because the flat wrap and the canopy bubble have a disparity in relative height where they meet at the rollbar. It looks like I will either have to raise the canopy approx. 3/8" or chop the rollbar and lower it slightly as others have done. I am still trying to contact people that have done this successfully to see how they handled this issue.
Bob

[derkmic]

Please do post your solution, when you have one. I really like the looks of this, too. I'll be starting my RV-8 in December. So, obviously, I won't be needing the solution for a little while. But, it would be great to have one when it's needed. Thanks!

[pierre smith]

...windshield. We made a mold exactly the same shape as the airfoil for landing light lenses. Brian put the plastic in his oven at 350 degrees and placed it on the wooden block and let it drape over it....turned out nice.

At Cessna many years ago, they draped the 150/172 windshield plastics over a male mold covered with what appeared to be felt.

I figure that some thin plywood soaked and steamed could be wrapped over bulkheads and fit to the airplane so it matches the slider part.

Regards,

[vernh59]

I used to work for a plastics company (about 100 years ago) and we made helicopter windshields and F-111 canopies. We would lay a flat sheet over a mold that was covered with a felt like material. At the right temp the plastic would become pliable and then it was vaccumed to make the form. The inspection process was very critical as any sign of distortion or "fisheye" and the part was scrapped. Interestingly the F-111 canopies couldn't be inspected until they were gold tinted. No I dont have one.

[Nickb145]

I like that flat wrap idea. Doesnt the F1 rocket have something related?

ANd does anyone have a link? Ive looked through the web on airplane plastics but couldnt find anything

[gasman]

Originally Posted by Nickb145

I like that flat wrap idea.

Then you will really like this....... http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...&postcount=388 .........