Brantel
Well Known Member
Instead of installing the struts per the plans with the outer housing down and the rod up, install them with the rod down and the outer housing up.
Per plans the struts have little to no damping at the end of the extend stroke. This allows the canopy to slam open.
If you install them upside down, they dampen the last few inches of travel allowing the canopy to open and come to a nice smooth stop.
Also, save time and ditch the nuts and washers behind the canopy deck. Make yourself a plate with two nutplates on it for a super easy install.
To really save time, ditch the two spacers behind the two aft pivot mount plates. Instead mount the pivot mount plate directly to the decks. Install the pivot stud inboard instead of outboard. This also prevents the strut housing from rubbing on the side rails when opening and closing. The pivot mount is also much stronger since there is less lever action on the deck.
Per plans the struts have little to no damping at the end of the extend stroke. This allows the canopy to slam open.
If you install them upside down, they dampen the last few inches of travel allowing the canopy to open and come to a nice smooth stop.
Also, save time and ditch the nuts and washers behind the canopy deck. Make yourself a plate with two nutplates on it for a super easy install.
To really save time, ditch the two spacers behind the two aft pivot mount plates. Instead mount the pivot mount plate directly to the decks. Install the pivot stud inboard instead of outboard. This also prevents the strut housing from rubbing on the side rails when opening and closing. The pivot mount is also much stronger since there is less lever action on the deck.