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08-22-2014, 08:45 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Mukilteo, WA
Posts: 128
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Fast Back Progress
I think I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Canopy conversation is progressing well. I finished modifying the instrument panel and the fiberglass cover that connects the skin and panel. The canopy was trimmed to fit and the provided bulkheads were fitted and bonded / fiber glassed in place. I installed the handle and the lock rods. I cut and fit the plexi glass canopy. Next up will be to sand a bit more, paint the inside and bond the canopy to the frame. I put the wings on for good due to most of what’s left to do on the canopy can be done off the plane.
So overall I’m glad I decided to install the Show planes fastback kit. The kit comes complete and a pretty easy to follow install manual. If you make the decision early on you can save about $1000.00 from parts not needed from finish kit. Below are some pictures and more are located at the link on the signature block.
Fitting in Bulkheads
Canopy trimmed and fitted
Bonding one piece a day to get a good tight fit
Manufactured and fitted control rods
Canopy cut and fitted
New roll bar welded, Currently out getting chromed
Wings on for good
__________________
Tom Powers
RV8 (Done)
Last edited by aviationone : 10-19-2014 at 12:32 PM.
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08-22-2014, 09:15 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Auburn, WA
Posts: 668
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Wow that's looking great Tom. Can't wait to see it in person someday. We will have to meet up when we've both flown some time off!
__________________
Andy Karmy
Covington WA
RV-8 - Flying!
RV-9A - sold
Dec 2019 Paid
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08-23-2014, 09:21 AM
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: 8I3
Posts: 3,564
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Tom Powers! The canopy on my rocket expands about 3/8" over its entire length when its on the airplane out in the sun. You might want to leave some more room at the rear allow for the canopy to expand.
__________________
Please don't PM me! Email only!
Bob Japundza CFI A&PIA
N9187P PA-24-260B Comanche, flying
N678X F1 Rocket, under const.
N244BJ RV-6 "victim of SNF tornado" 1200+ hrs, rebuilding
N8155F C150 flying
N7925P PA-24-250 Comanche, restoring
Not a thing I own is stock.
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08-23-2014, 10:43 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Mukilteo, WA
Posts: 128
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rocketbob
Tom Powers! The canopy on my rocket expands about 3/8" over its entire length when its on the airplane out in the sun. You might want to leave some more room at the rear allow for the canopy to expand.
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Yep, still have some final trim before paint and need to hit the canopy before I bond it onto the frame. How is the Rocket going? You have to get it in the air before Jim gets the new Yellow done.
__________________
Tom Powers
RV8 (Done)
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08-24-2014, 09:43 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Mukilteo, WA
Posts: 128
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Quote:
Originally Posted by akarmy
Wow that's looking great Tom. Can't wait to see it in person someday. We will have to meet up when we've both flown some time off!
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Sounds good Andy, From the looks at your progress you will be coming up to KPAE. I'm planning/hoping on February - March completion date. You are looking real close.
__________________
Tom Powers
RV8 (Done)
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08-25-2014, 10:20 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Auburn, WA
Posts: 668
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aviationone
Sounds good Andy, From the looks at your progress you will be coming up to KPAE. I'm planning/hoping on February - March completion date. You are looking real close.
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Trying for inspection in 2 weeks! So much still to do... 
__________________
Andy Karmy
Covington WA
RV-8 - Flying!
RV-9A - sold
Dec 2019 Paid
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08-26-2014, 05:43 AM
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: 8I3
Posts: 3,564
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aviationone
How is the Rocket going? You have to get it in the air before Jim gets the new Yellow done.
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If you saw it you would say "why aren't you flying...?" Too many irons in the fire.
__________________
Please don't PM me! Email only!
Bob Japundza CFI A&PIA
N9187P PA-24-260B Comanche, flying
N678X F1 Rocket, under const.
N244BJ RV-6 "victim of SNF tornado" 1200+ hrs, rebuilding
N8155F C150 flying
N7925P PA-24-250 Comanche, restoring
Not a thing I own is stock.
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08-26-2014, 08:20 AM
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Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Hudson County, NJ
Posts: 1,092
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Great thread. Love the fastback.
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08-30-2014, 08:27 AM
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Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Plano, TX
Posts: 18
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Canopy question
Tom
How hard was it to layout and cut the clear canopy? I got to that point and stopped. What is the white stuff on the frame to make the rig for mating the canopy on the front? flox mix? sika? Great work. Thanks
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08-30-2014, 12:59 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Mukilteo, WA
Posts: 128
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RVDREMEN
Tom
How hard was it to layout and cut the clear canopy? I got to that point and stopped. What is the white stuff on the frame to make the rig for mating the canopy on the front? flox mix? sika? Great work. Thanks
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I pretty much followed the directions from Showplanes. I removed the protective plastic from the top on the canopy only, the bottom I just trimmed it up about six inches. I then marked the cut lines per the manual and also marked the center line of the canopy before cutting (this will help you in keeping the canopy centered while getting it trimmed) .
After the canopy going on and off for trimming a bunch, I got it to fit real good, I then secured it in place with tape and drilled it, the canopy lifted about 1/2" in the front after all was said and done (not the plan but the flocked cotton would fill the gap with no issues). The front was just Flocked cotton fiber mixed with resin from Aircraft Spruce. I covered the canopy with tape and also covered the tape with a release wax. I mixed the flox mixture so it would just hold on a mixing stick when held up. I used an empty sealant tube with a sealant gun to apply a good bead to the taped area in the front. This was done with the canopy off the plane and it was standing straight up/down so it would flow well. Let it fully harden standing up.With some careful prying the canopy will pop off of the floxed area and you will be left with a perfect frame for the canopy to sit in. I did go back a put a coat of resin/micro balloon/mil fiber on the aft side to give it a smooth look. The best thing to do is take your time and not rush it.
__________________
Tom Powers
RV8 (Done)
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