Texas Fastback -4

[acam37]

We bought this plane in Ohio after it suffered damage in a hangar collapse. After careful consideration we decided to convert it to fastback since it needed a new canopy anyway. After the initial tear down it was determined that the damage was minimal. The airframe was straight, no wing damage and the engine was untouched.
Now most of the damage has been repaired and it's starting to look like a plane again. We are upgrading the panel and going to do a complete re-paint. I read every post concerning the fastback mod and have found Axels to be a blessing. His photos of the process are invaluable. I would definitely take his advice on making the former's fit. After I butchered the ones from Harmon, I wound up fabricating my own formers.

http://

[Mike S]

Your photo links are to a log in site, you need to link to public photo album maybe??

[Sid Lambert]

Arlie,

Looks good. I may do the same next year as I have a few cracks in my canopy.

Do you know about how much you had to cut from the vs to get it to fit over the new turtle deck.

[acam37]

Ok, I knew I'd screw it up. I'll see if I can figure it out.

[acam37]

I think I figured out the photo thing, so here is what we have done so far.
http://

[AX-O]

There you go Arlie. I can see them now. Good luck with your build. looks like you are making progress.

[txaviator]

Can't see any photos from DFW, Texas? All error boxes!?

[AX-O]

Sir, the red lines shown on the pics below is what I was trying to explain over the phone. That will mitigate the canopy and the turtle deck not matching 100%. Hope that helps

[dealfair]

Good Show Arlie & Axel!! Wonderful seeing a wounded -4 being given new life. Maybe you should call her "Phoenix"?? Wonderful!
Best wishes,

[acam37]

I had a good phone conversation with Axel about fitting the turtle deck and canopy. One advantage I have is that this has already been done and thoroughly documented. I would suggest to anyone going this route to get all the info you can before you order a single part. Like Axel stated in his thread, the HR Formers 408 & 409 will not fit so you are wasting your money by purchasing them. I found it easier to fab your own instead of trying to make the other ones fit. I will post my former installation as soon as I can get back to building.
I'm currently working on the canopy frame and building it from scratch. Question is, do I fit the canopy first and fit the frame to the canopy or do it the other way around?