Av8torTom
Well Known Member
Like some others here I've had issues with the front edge of my tip-up canopy and the top forward skin not aligning vertically. I searched the forum for solutions and then called Vans. This is a photo of the problem:
![](/community/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi271.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj150%2Fav8tor215%2FRV-9A%2FCanopy%2520Gap%2520Argentieri_zps45raoevv.jpg&hash=61d31eafa3e82f6faa970461aee4f158)
After communicating with Vans, they suggested that the C-614 was not riveted correctly. This was a good suggestion, but the outer edges of the weldment match the outside edge of the fuselage perfectly. In my opinion the radius of the outer edges of 716 weldment is just not correct:
![](/community/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi271.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj150%2Fav8tor215%2FRV-9A%2Fcanopy_zpszwnqe1wp.png&hash=d6a0e01ed8a59ce577ab86ec2ef26390)
I've come to the conclusion that I will need to shim up the F-786 sub panel flange and fabricate a new forward top skin cause the supplied skin certainly will not fit.
Also, one of my canopy struts crapped out on me. I asked Vans for a new one and they're sending it no charge, no questions asked...
I'm a satisfied customer
I will be documenting the progress I make on the new top skin and reporting as I go along.
![](/community/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi271.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj150%2Fav8tor215%2FRV-9A%2FCanopy%2520Gap%2520Argentieri_zps45raoevv.jpg&hash=61d31eafa3e82f6faa970461aee4f158)
After communicating with Vans, they suggested that the C-614 was not riveted correctly. This was a good suggestion, but the outer edges of the weldment match the outside edge of the fuselage perfectly. In my opinion the radius of the outer edges of 716 weldment is just not correct:
![](/community/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi271.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj150%2Fav8tor215%2FRV-9A%2Fcanopy_zpszwnqe1wp.png&hash=d6a0e01ed8a59ce577ab86ec2ef26390)
I've come to the conclusion that I will need to shim up the F-786 sub panel flange and fabricate a new forward top skin cause the supplied skin certainly will not fit.
Also, one of my canopy struts crapped out on me. I asked Vans for a new one and they're sending it no charge, no questions asked...
I'm a satisfied customer
I will be documenting the progress I make on the new top skin and reporting as I go along.