G'day folks,
Over the past month or so our struts have been losing the ability to keep open our tip-up canopy. The struts were purchased from Vans in 2006, fitted in 2010, and have been flying since 2011.
Just as I sat in the right seat (RV-7) a moderate breeze blew the canopy closed. I caught the right side on my upper arm/shoulder, but the left side bounced off the nylon block canopy guide fitted to the front of the baggage compartment canopy frame (bow) at the cockpit longeron rear left.
Now I have joined the cracked canopy brigade. The crack started at the rear most screw left side of the tip-up. The crack is about 100mm (4 inches) long, and parallel to the rear canopy frame.
First action - used plexiglas bit to drill a stop hole.
Second - search Mr Reeves magic treasure chest for VAF corporate advice.
Third - search the web for suppliers to compare price/availability in Australia vs same elsewhere.
Fourth - went for a flight to compensate for the disappointment - no, I did not notice the crack, and it now seems like fair wear in exchange for much fun.
Vans price is US$33 each for the accessory catalogue C-690 struts - Stabilus Lift-o-Mat, PN #752619 rated at 100 newtons. A search of the forums revealed other manufacturers/suppliers in the USA.
Unusually, I sourced a 'home brand' (probably Chinese) equivalent here in Newcastle from Ovesco for AUD$25.70 each (inc tax), Ovesco PN #4060125, 125N x 406mm Gas Stay. I opted for an increase in stiffness from the standard 100n to 125n - ovesco.com.au: in Newcastle New South Wales, and the Gold Coast in Queensland. Ovesco will ship Australia wide, but check first, often freight is cheaper & quicker direct from the US.
Note that I have added bolts to stop the canopy being forced forward by the struts when closing. The stop bolts are fitted to the longerons each side and protrude rearward through the sub-panel. Therefore I am prepared to risk the stronger strut force.
Tomorrow I plan to fit the new struts and then use WeldOn to treat the canopy crack. My plan is to:
1. apply electrical tape to the inside of the canopy covering the crack and stop hole.
2. apply electrical tape to the outside of the canopy covering the crack.
3. use a medical syringe to try to wick WeldOn #3 into the crack.
4. use another syringe to fill the stop hole with WeldOn #16.
5. when all cured, use the micro mesh kit to dress the repair.
6. follow advice from others on VAF and replace struts at the first sign of ageing
rather than procrastinate.
Advice on crack repair welcome.
I hope this helps prevent injury or another cracked canopy.
Regards
Over the past month or so our struts have been losing the ability to keep open our tip-up canopy. The struts were purchased from Vans in 2006, fitted in 2010, and have been flying since 2011.
Just as I sat in the right seat (RV-7) a moderate breeze blew the canopy closed. I caught the right side on my upper arm/shoulder, but the left side bounced off the nylon block canopy guide fitted to the front of the baggage compartment canopy frame (bow) at the cockpit longeron rear left.
Now I have joined the cracked canopy brigade. The crack started at the rear most screw left side of the tip-up. The crack is about 100mm (4 inches) long, and parallel to the rear canopy frame.
First action - used plexiglas bit to drill a stop hole.
Second - search Mr Reeves magic treasure chest for VAF corporate advice.
Third - search the web for suppliers to compare price/availability in Australia vs same elsewhere.
Fourth - went for a flight to compensate for the disappointment - no, I did not notice the crack, and it now seems like fair wear in exchange for much fun.
Vans price is US$33 each for the accessory catalogue C-690 struts - Stabilus Lift-o-Mat, PN #752619 rated at 100 newtons. A search of the forums revealed other manufacturers/suppliers in the USA.
Unusually, I sourced a 'home brand' (probably Chinese) equivalent here in Newcastle from Ovesco for AUD$25.70 each (inc tax), Ovesco PN #4060125, 125N x 406mm Gas Stay. I opted for an increase in stiffness from the standard 100n to 125n - ovesco.com.au: in Newcastle New South Wales, and the Gold Coast in Queensland. Ovesco will ship Australia wide, but check first, often freight is cheaper & quicker direct from the US.
Note that I have added bolts to stop the canopy being forced forward by the struts when closing. The stop bolts are fitted to the longerons each side and protrude rearward through the sub-panel. Therefore I am prepared to risk the stronger strut force.
Tomorrow I plan to fit the new struts and then use WeldOn to treat the canopy crack. My plan is to:
1. apply electrical tape to the inside of the canopy covering the crack and stop hole.
2. apply electrical tape to the outside of the canopy covering the crack.
3. use a medical syringe to try to wick WeldOn #3 into the crack.
4. use another syringe to fill the stop hole with WeldOn #16.
5. when all cured, use the micro mesh kit to dress the repair.
6. follow advice from others on VAF and replace struts at the first sign of ageing
rather than procrastinate.
Advice on crack repair welcome.
I hope this helps prevent injury or another cracked canopy.
Regards