VansAirForceForums  
Home > VansAirForceForums

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

- Today's Posts | Insert Pics

  #21  
Old 07-19-2007, 10:30 AM
briand's Avatar
briand briand is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Grand Rapids MI
Posts: 742
Default

[quote=briand]3/16" thick. QUOTE]


Have these always been made so thin?

I finally had a chance to go through, examine and inventory my finish kit and noticed it only takes a few pounds of pressure to push in the canopy. I thought someone posted that the Todds' were 1/4 thick. I figure if they start out with 3/16", after the stretching/forming is done the dome part is probably even thinner.


http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/var...ant%5Fid=44341

Last edited by briand : 07-19-2007 at 10:33 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 07-19-2007, 12:25 PM
apatti apatti is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Middle Georgia
Posts: 654
Default

[quote=briand]
Quote:
Originally Posted by briand
3/16" thick. QUOTE]


Have these always been made so thin?

I finally had a chance to go through, examine and inventory my finish kit and noticed it only takes a few pounds of pressure to push in the canopy. I thought someone posted that the Todds' were 1/4 thick. I figure if they start out with 3/16", after the stretching/forming is done the dome part is probably even thinner.


http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/var...ant%5Fid=44341

When I talked to Todd earlier this week he told me that the 1/4" canopies were unnecessairily heavy. He says he now uses .220" thickness.

When I mentioned tinting (I want some tinting but I want to be able to see at night) he said a lot of folks are going with #2094 Light Gray. He said this is similar to what a lot of autos have. Anyone care to comment on their experiences with different tints?
__________________
Tony
RV8A
N97AP
Warner Robins, GA
Phase I complete
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 07-19-2007, 12:45 PM
briand's Avatar
briand briand is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Grand Rapids MI
Posts: 742
Default

.220 is still quite a bit more than .177. IF I ever build again or(god forbid) I need to replace my canopy I will go with Todds for sure. The canopy I have is pretty light so I can't imagine the extra thickness will add much weight overall.

I personally think the tint on mine is too dark but I don't have the money to replace it so I'll live with it. I don't know how it will do in night VFR but I figure all you can see at night are lights anyway so maybe it won't matter.

Edit:
I just weighed my Vans canopy and it comes in at an untrimmed 23 pounds. I figure about 20 after its trimmmed. So the .220 would weigh about 4.86 pounds more.

Last edited by briand : 07-19-2007 at 12:50 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 07-19-2007, 02:16 PM
rv72004 rv72004 is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 452
Talking

Just for laughs, if I remember correctly, my Glasair windshield was 3/8 inch thick. Side glass was 1/4 inch. I must say it was comforting to know I had some bird strike protection.

My 7 ,well ,a bug strike will probably cause damage.
__________________
EJ
RV7 flying
xp360, CS, All Glass cockpit
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 07-19-2007, 08:41 PM
apatti apatti is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Middle Georgia
Posts: 654
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by briand
Edit:
I just weighed my Vans canopy and it comes in at an untrimmed 23 pounds. I figure about 20 after its trimmmed. So the .220 would weigh about 4.86 pounds more.

We didn't talk weight difference this time. However, I did ask him about that a while back. My best recollection is that he said there was a 4 - 5 lb increase in his .220 canopy. So, nice estimate.
__________________
Tony
RV8A
N97AP
Warner Robins, GA
Phase I complete
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 08-16-2007, 02:06 PM
vmirv8bldr's Avatar
vmirv8bldr vmirv8bldr is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Eastvale, CA
Posts: 378
Default Todd? Todd? Anyone seen Todd?

I want to order one of Todd's Canopies. I sent an email, no reply. When I called, it rolls straight to voicemail, and the voicemailbox is full, so I'm not allowed to leave a message. I have tried to call for three days with the same result. Does anyone have any info?

Thanks,
Bart
__________________
Bart Filipiak
Eastvale, CA
RV-8 N74VB

Barrett IO-390
WW200RV
FLYING!!!!!!!
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 08-16-2007, 03:10 PM
decathlon737's Avatar
decathlon737 decathlon737 is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Cartersville, GA
Posts: 350
Default Todd's gone

Quote:
Originally Posted by vmirv8bldr
I want to order one of Todd's Canopies. I sent an email, no reply. When I called, it rolls straight to voicemail, and the voicemailbox is full, so I'm not allowed to leave a message. I have tried to call for three days with the same result. Does anyone have any info?

Thanks,
Bart

I received my canopy from Todd yesterday. He shipped it Monday right before he left for Europe. Not sure how long he'll be there but explains why you can't reach him.
Bill Woods
RV8 QB
IO 360 A1B
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 08-16-2007, 07:32 PM
mannanj's Avatar
mannanj mannanj is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Mtns of N.E. Georgia
Posts: 1,322
Default Thickness

While trimiing the lower edge of the canopy on my -8, I measured the thickness of the trimed slice in the area between the front and rear seats. One side was .090 in. the other was about .100 in. Afraid to guess what it is at the top!

If I had it to do over, you bet I would go with Todd's. I can diet a couple of days and lose 4 or 5 pounds.
__________________
LAUS DEO
Mannan J.Thomason, MSGT. USAF (RET)
VAF788
"Bucket List" checkoff in progress!
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 08:11 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.