I am in the process of doing a full panel upgrade. Since i got my canopy off i am curious on what are you guys using as a front seal for the canopy, i don't plan to fy in the rain, but it could be parked and one day rain. I have had any season it and i can feel lots of air blowing in. If you guys have a suggestion please send the link or the name of the seal style. thanks
I had looked and tried several seals, but due to the design and available space between surfaces, the teflon teardrop seal from Vans has been my best fit. It has a good seal for the pressure and a low linear compression force. The section of the canopy frame on the sides back to the canopy rail joint took a thicker material. I got it at the big box store, sorry no specs. It was a foam extrusion.
Beware there is a one year use-by date on the tear drop. I did find alternative sourcing but Vans has the right length for the job. Just ask for inspection of the production date before ordering. The use-by date is based on the adhesive.
Unfortunately for all its positives, this Vans design is lacking in a robust seal design and the instructions did not reach my brain for understanding of the importance of a precision gap around the perimeter of the frame for sealing.
My frame is .040" too large on the right.
A bridge was made to carry across the hinges on front, and pro-seal was used to fill all the little holes from the cut-and-bent sub panel. Also in spite of my efforts in achieving a super exterior look and fit for the skins, my skin to sub panel spacers are likely a source for water intrusion not addressed by the teardrop seal. (sad)
You can see there are a lot of details to be addressed for sealing, and would be a labor of love to address the issues after it is flying.
The good news . . . .After years of thinking and working with the canopy I am pretty sure I can make the next one built fit, and seal, perfectly.
