Windscreen fairing layup

[RVG8tor]

I can't find any information with search so this is a sure sign I am the only one worried about this.

In laying up the fairing over the canopy skirt; should I tape up the canopy and skirt with several layers of tape so that when the faring is cured and the tape removed there would be no rubbing surfaces?

My worry is if I layup the fairing right on the canopy and skirt that I will end up with areas that rub and I have seen skirts that chip paint at the part that slides under the fairing. The instructions and websites I have read show everyone just laying up on the canopy and skirt with just some mold release or packing tape.

Just curious, I have the lower windshield layup done and need to start on the roll bar part.

[N208ET]

Is what I used, I wanted a fairly snug fit and in 200 hours I haven't noticed any rubbing. I also rigged up some rope inside my cockpit that connected to my slider out the back of the tailcone. The end of the rope I tied to the wall. The slider was stuck together so I used this to assist in popping it open.

Randy 8A

[rv8_builder]

I used three layers of electrical tape which gave me a gap of 0.6mm between the canopy and fairing. (Electrical tape doesn?t leave a sticky residue on the canopy once it is removed) I was also worried about the surfaces rubbing so decided to build the gap in. Not flying yet so can?t say if 0.6mm is enough.

I also used the rope as Randy suggests to pop the canopy open once the epoxy has set. Without it I don?t think I would have been able to open it!

Hope this helps.

[Guy Prevost]

I used two layers of electrical tape.

[timandmeli]

I used packing tape. I also wanted a tight fit. A sharpened credit card is enough to break the surface tension between the cured resin and the packing tape. Good luck. Tim

[SmilingJack]

Nemo,

I did like Guy, used electrical tape.

Use YELLOW as a base tape and GREEN over the YELLOW. After using a Hotel Key ( Tim used a sharpen credit card) I sanded down the edge.

If I sanded to close the GREEN tape would turn into the YELLOW tape and I would not hit the plexiglas.

Of course, not my idea, I good friend did it this way and seemed to work out fine.

Good Luck!

[RVG8tor]

Thanks for all the inputs, Randy I like the rope idea, it is a great just in case, if stick a little too much.

Cheers

[RVG8tor]

How may layers of cloth did you guys use on the upper part of the windscreen fairing? I am thinking 6 would be good I have some 4" tape and some 2" tape that I intend to use and just cut one side to the width that I want and leave the nice edge for the windscreen side.

Cheers

[lucaperazzolli]

I'm with John, it's a good idea that I used on mine.

4 layers worked well for me but cloth thickness is the factor

ciao

[Bob Ellis]

Hi Mike

I used 6 layers of 2" (6oz) tape and am pleased that the lip is pretty rigid - I've seen some aircraft where this is pretty flimsy. Here is my log entry my result is not the best in the world but - it's good enough - "Better is the enemy of good enough"

I'm just waiting for paperwork, good weather and availability of my test pilot and mine is ready to be unleashed - you're not too far away Mike.

Regards

Bob Ellis
www.rv-8.co.uk