I have seen several over the years. The difficulty is the rudder is so close that it can't slide aft far enough for the backseater to get in. Here is one with a slider and retracts...
Steve,
I have a RV-4 slider that was built by John Palmaire from Bradenton, FL, and of course I love it, with the P-51 look. However, there are some trade-offs. 1. Getting in and out in the front seat is more difficult (old man). 2. The fold over canopy design allows you to get behind the instrument panel very easily. I have a 4" by 4" panel to the back of the instruments, that I wish were larger. 3. The roll bar was modified and lower to clear the canopy, so less protection if you flip on your back. 4. The canopy latch mechanism is only operable from the front seat, so I have a punch tool between the seats just in case the back seat person needs to get out and I can't do it. These are probably the same trade-offs for the RV-8s.
Bill McLean, N96JP
Enterprise, AL (EDN) [email protected]
If it wouldn't be too much trouble, I would love to see some photo's of the 4 slider installation. I've always been interested in doing this as well, and have never see one. Thanks
I am in DC on my way to Cape Cod for an overnight. My EMAIL won't go out from here, but everything else is working. IF it will go out tonight from the hotel I will do that, otherwise I should be back in Thurs. night or Friday AM and will send them then.
I knew a guy with a -4 slider. The RV-4 is narrower than a RV-8 and the canopy rail in a slider design cuts into your shoulder room. It was a complaint from the guy I met, who bought the plane 2nd hand. Look cool and if you are narrow shouldered and nimble its neat.
