VansAirForceForums  
Home > VansAirForceForums

- POSTING RULES
- Donate yearly (please).
- Advertise in here!

- Today's Posts | Insert Pics

  #1  
Old 07-10-2014, 10:54 AM
Marvin Marvin is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Willits,Ca
Posts: 60
Default Bending the canopy frame

Some 10 years ago I put together this RV8A and now I have a cracked canopy and have ordered new parts complete with frame, canopy and skirt to build a new one. As we get older we forget what we did and I can't recall making the it . Now my question is and I need the best answer is how to bend the canopy frame. The plans call for a distance of 5/8 to 3/4 of an inch between the fuselage frame slider and the frame. What's the best way to bend it down about an inch or so. The plan say we use muscle power but doesn't describe in which way we use it. I called Van's builders assistance and they were telling me I should cut the frame or put some kind of a plate in there I didn't understand what he was saying he probably thought I was senile. If somebody out there has photos of how they did it, I would appreciate it very much and be forever grateful. A phone call would be appreciated.

Dick N 90774

Last edited by Marvin : 07-10-2014 at 10:59 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 07-10-2014, 11:33 AM
akarmy's Avatar
akarmy akarmy is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Auburn, WA
Posts: 668
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Marvin View Post
Now my question is and I need the best answer is how to bend the canopy frame. The plans call for a distance of 5/8 to 3/4 of an inch between the fuselage frame slider and the frame. What's the best way to bend it down about an inch or so.
If you are talking about the rear bow that sits above the slider track. To bend that I took the frame off the plane, set it on the concrete floor with some blocks of wood under it and used my foot pressure while pulling up on the main slider frame to bend it. Initially I had to bend mine up a bit as it was too low, then after doing some fitting I had to raise it a bit which just required the same thing in reverse with the block on the other side.

If you are talking about the sides being pulled in enough to be inside the fuselage side longarons? Then that I accomplished with a ratchet cargo web strap. I placed it around the sides and pulled them in quite a bit beyond where they needed to be and when they sprung back they would slowly move in. Be careful not to kink the frame with too much pressure.

If finally we are talking about the front bow with the rollers in the bottom. That can be pushed and pulled by putting the block on the floor and leaning on it, or stepping on one side and pulling hard up with your arms. Hence the comment about muscling it into shape.

Hope that helps. If you want to talk feel free to send me a number via direct message.
__________________
Andy Karmy
Covington WA

RV-8 - Flying!
RV-9A - sold

Dec 2019 Paid
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 07-10-2014, 09:38 PM
AAflyer's Avatar
AAflyer AAflyer is offline
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Fort Mill, South Carolina
Posts: 345
Default Lean in...

__________________
Bruce Windom
QB RV-8 N148BW
First Flight: Oct '16
AeroSport Power IO-360 180hp w/dual P-Mags
Catto 3-blade, with black carbon spinner.
10" Dynon SkyviewTouch. That's ALL.
2020 Dues contributed
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 07-11-2014, 01:21 PM
alpinelakespilot2000 alpinelakespilot2000 is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,646
Default

Conduit bender from Lowes or HD. Much more predictable and safe.
__________________
Steve M.
Ellensburg WA
RV-9 Flying, 0-320, Catto

Donation reminder: Jan. 2021
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 07-14-2014, 11:42 AM
Bob Ellis's Avatar
Bob Ellis Bob Ellis is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Pembrokeshire, UK
Posts: 224
Default

Dick this was how I did it - came out great
__________________
Bob Ellis
www.rv-8.co.uk
G-JBTR Having a ball flying this wonderful machine
Donation July 2016
Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 12:51 AM.


The VAFForums come to you courtesy Delta Romeo, LLC. By viewing and participating in them you agree to build your plane using standardized methods and practices and to fly it safely and in accordance with the laws governing the country you are located in.