[klong66]

Is this reparable? The crack is underlined and goes from the Left side to the Right side just at and under the fairing.

Do you have a parts list for what is needed to rebuild the canopy frame/structure for an RV9A?
Thanks
Ken

 

[Dan 57]

Not very clear to me, but 1st pic (1354) looks repairable. The 2nd pic (1355) is doable assuming the outside fileting (fairing) is removed, as one usually needs access to both sides for a proper repair job.
Using the search tool you will find many threads here dealing with the subject.

As far as the parts list for replacing the canopy, this will be found, as usual, on Van's website. Buying a canopy is one thing (shipping costs are crazy nowadays, you've been warned), but adapting the "glass" to the frame is another. Looks like we're talking about a slider here, so first the big cut would have to be done... talking about a lot of work here... so assuming you can't/don't wanna work on your baby, you'd rather first hunt for somebody willing/able to do the whole works.

Good luck

 

[gasman]

If you are form Fallon Nevada, I have a full plexi (tinted) uncut that will fit your 9.
I am in the north bay area.

 

[klong66]

Not very clear to me, but 1st pic (1354) looks repairable. The 2nd pic (1355) is doable assuming the outside fileting (fairing) is removed, as one usually needs access to both sides for a proper repair job.
Using the search tool you will find many threads here dealing with the subject.

As far as the parts list for replacing the canopy, this will be found, as usual, on Van's website. Buying a canopy is one thing (shipping costs are crazy nowadays, you've been warned), but adapting the "glass" to the frame is another. Looks like we're talking about a slider here, so first the big cut would have to be done... talking about a lot of work here... so assuming you can't/don't wanna work on your baby, you'd rather first hunt for somebody willing/able to do the whole works.

Good luck

This is on a tip up canopy.

 

[rv8ch]

The crack is underlined and goes from the Left side to the Right side just at and under the fairing.

That's the first time I've heard of such a big crack in that location - did it suffer an impact or something else that caused it?

 

[danny]

If you are form Fallon Nevada, I have a full plexi (tinted) uncut that will fit your 9.
I am in the north bay area.

Gawd, I wish you were closer.
danny

 

[lr172]

Is this reparable? The crack is underlined and goes from the Left side to the Right side just at and under the fairing.

Do you have a parts list for what is needed to rebuild the canopy frame/structure for an RV9A?
Thanks
Ken

That is a very uncommon crack. Have to wonder if too many and too rigidly attached (like into the ribs) supports were used to hold the front of the canopy down, adding stress when the plexi is moving from expansion/contraction.

 

[FasGlas]

There's some good treads on cracked canopies. Plasifix is what many have used.

 

[klong66]

That's the first time I've heard of such a big crack in that location - did it suffer an impact or something else that caused it?

No Impact that I'm aware.

 

[klong66]

That is a very uncommon crack. Have to wonder if too many and too rigidly attached (like into the ribs) supports were used to hold the front of the canopy down, adding stress when the plexi is moving from expansion/contraction.

I have no Idea how the canopy was actually built. I do know it has several cracks that are what I would consider to be minor. One you can also see in the picture.

 

[Ralph Inkster]

Agreed, that is quite an unusual crack.
I wonder if some nasty solvent was used during construction.
I think it could be possibly be saved, though it’s a big job. If not, you still have to remove this plexi to fit a new one.
-Mark a new fairing edge line about 3/4” higher than the old fairing with Fine Line painters tape or electrical vinyl tape. This would give additional support to the old plexi above the cracks.
-Carefully grind away that fiberglass fairing, totally from the plexi, you could leave a trace that’s bonded to the sheet metal (would act as a base that new fiberglass would adhere to).
-Remove the rest of the screw fasteners from the rest of the canopy frame.
-Gently remove the plexi & shards. Attempt to glue back together. Repair the side crack as best you can, than oversize the screw holes a bit, countersink the holes to fit without any tension points that could potentially cause future cracks.
-Mask off the inside plexi front edge to match the newly defined fairing tape you applied on the outside lower edge. Rough up the inner plexi surface & paint it with satin or flat black or grey to hide the plexi repairs from sight looking out.
-Re-install the repaired plexi (or a newly fitted replacement!) using the Vans (or one of the many alternate techniques I’m sure folks will suggest) fashioning new fiberglass (or metal…) fairing.
MANY new skills will be learned! Good Luck.

 

[klong66]

Agreed, that is quite an unusual crack.
I wonder if some nasty solvent was used during construction.
I think it could be possibly be saved, though it’s a big job. If not, you still have to remove this plexi to fit a new one.
-Mark a new fairing edge line about 3/4” higher than the old fairing with Fine Line painters tape or electrical vinyl tape. This would give additional support to the old plexi above the cracks.
-Carefully grind away that fiberglass fairing, totally from the plexi, you could leave a trace that’s bonded to the sheet metal (would act as a base that new fiberglass would adhere to).
-Remove the rest of the screw fasteners from the rest of the canopy frame.
-Gently remove the plexi & shards. Attempt to glue back together. Repair the side crack as best you can, than oversize the screw holes a bit, countersink the holes to fit without any tension points that could potentially cause future cracks.
-Mask off the inside plexi front edge to match the newly defined fairing tape you applied on the outside lower edge. Rough up the inner plexi surface & paint it with satin or flat black or grey to hide the plexi repairs from sight looking out.
-Re-install the repaired plexi (or a newly fitted replacement!) using the Vans (or one of the many alternate techniques I’m sure folks will suggest) fashioning new fiberglass (or metal…) fairing.
MANY new skills will be learned! Good Luck.

Thanks for the great explanation. I was considering something similar, remove some of the existing fairing and extend the fairing higher up this would effectively secure everything but may crack again.

No idea what chemicals were used during the build, I do know sika flex was used.

 

[klong66]

I’m not sure that it is worth saving given the existing cracks. I’m considering building a new canopy frame and canopy. And build the new frame in the fall winter and do the plexi work once warmer weather hits next summer. But the canopy frame is a back order item. Mostly spent some time getting a parts list together for an order.