Canopy: Change of mind...Maybe.

s10sakota · #1 11-01-2014, 11:43 AM

Has anyone ever ordered their fuselage kit and then changed their mind on the canopy? I bought the slider, and now I'm thinking I might want the tip-up.

It's not too late in my build to switch, but I'm wondering if it's worth it to buy all the needed parts, and then send the un-needed parts back to Vans.

I know I can call Vans and ask, but I thought I'd ask here first. I can't be the only one to ever change my mind...um, right?

PS: I'm not 100% sure I want to switch, but I think I just like the looks and the unrestricted vis better with the tip-up.

fstringham1 · #2 11-01-2014, 01:15 PM

Hi Mark

I built a tip up and have flown in the slider. This could be a primer type war ????
Slider is more water tight, better cooling on the ground, ease of use. Tipper clear view out front, better subpanel access, and a bit better baggage access in back. I worked on buliding both and I believe it is a toss up as to which is the worst in fab.

I must admit I sure liked the view out front in my tipper.

Anything is possible ..... Will just about anything .... I would stay with the slider. Get it done and go flying!!!!!!!

alpinelakespilot2000 · #3 11-01-2014, 01:26 PM

Though I am a completely happy slider builder/owner, I think both have their advantages, making it a wash in the end. For that reason, and because changing will probably require a significant outlay of additional cash, I'd say stick with what you've got. In the long run, you're probably not going to care that much either way.

Captain_John · #4 11-01-2014, 03:36 PM

Stay on track!

I say build what you have!

Being indecisive only slows you down. Nothing to it but to do it!

Both types, as we know have their benefits. Enjoy the benefits of the decision you made. Enjoy the plane that you will have built!

Mark, i also saw that you were interested in a partially completed six kit for a great price. Don't let these distractions cloud your end goal.

Build your plane!

. CJ

s10sakota · #5 11-01-2014, 05:32 PM

You guys are right! What the heck am I thinking? It would cost a fortune to buy new parts and then send these ones back to Vans. This airplane will never get done if I keep second guessing.

Geez...building on!

N941WR · #6 11-01-2014, 08:23 PM

Now, about the position of the little wheel...

PIN 37 · #7 11-02-2014, 01:54 AM

Well, I spent 250 hrs on my tip up and I am not really happy with the result. I did talk to Gus about the abysmal fit of the tip up parts for the 7 at Osh.(2014) His response was that there was no money in it for them to improve the fit of the tip up, so nothing was going to be done. I, personally thought that this was a pretty poor response, but apparently that is Vans attitude. Thats what you get and if you dont like it, build something else. Personally, if they did offer a better fit/quality canopy, I would consider building a new canopy for fitment and "looks".

Captain_John · #8 11-02-2014, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N941WR

Now, about the position of the little wheel...

Now that... Is a possibly valid alteration! Haha

I don't think that I know anyone (myself included) that is 100% thrilled with their tipper.

I do love the simplicity and visibility. That is the bed I made and that is what I sleep in!

I also fly a -6 that is a very nicely built slider. I guess that I either have the best of both worlds or the worstof both worlds, depending on you point if view!

CJ

petersb · #9 11-02-2014, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s10sakota

You guys are right! What the heck am I thinking? It would cost a fortune to buy new parts and then send these ones back to Vans. This airplane will never get done if I keep second guessing.

Geez...building on!

I have had both. Tip on my RV6 1600 hours and slider on my RV7A, 200 hours.

By far I prefer the slider. Much nicer taxing in hot weather, I find the visibility superior, the front wind screen roll over bar becomes invisible pretty quickly, the improved visibility is to the side and rear due to the canopy shape and lack of roll bar behind you.

No more water getting on the instruments when the canopy is raised or during flight , access to the instruments I find is better as I have the panel attached to a mounting ring which allows removal of the panel with a few screws.

By the way, after several thousand hours of tail wheel time I do like having a nose wheel now, possibly age

Mel · #10 11-02-2014, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain_John

Now that... Is a possibly valid alteration! Haha
I don't think that I know anyone (myself included) that is 100% thrilled with their tipper.
I do love the simplicity and visibility. That is the bed I made and that is what I sleep in!
I also fly a -6 that is a very nicely built slider. I guess that I either have the best of both worlds or the worstof both worlds, depending on you point if view!

CJ

Well, I guess you don't know me. I've been flying with my tip-up canopy for 21.5 years and would not trade it for all the sliders in the world!
I absolutely love it.