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Canopy Struts
- Thread starter RicoB
- Start date
Item # H-9503-45, Gas Springs with Composite Ends On Orr & Orr, Inc.
Browse Item # H-9503-45, Gas Springs with Composite Ends in the Orr & Orr, Inc. catalog including Item #,Item Name,Description,Mfg. No.,Extended Length,Compressed Length,Stroke,Stocking Poundages,Rod Diameter,Tube Diameter,Additional Information,List
These are the Stabilus-Lift-O-Mat struts at 45lbs/ft
I believe the stock struts from the Van's web store are 100N; the ones listed above are 200N struts. I tried a pair of the stronger 200N struts and did not like them as they put a lot of twisting force on the canopy as it was closed. It's not like a hatchback where you're pulling or pushing from the center. But that's just my preference. Some people have the stronger struts and love them.
They definitely put more force on the frame/canopy. However, I installed a handle on the top exterior of the roll bar to aid in opening the canopy.
I like being able to taxi with the canopy fully open and not worrying about it slamming shut
Search for locking gas struts on McMaster Carr or here on other threads. A locking strut on the pilots side, locks when fully extended preventing the accidental closer in wind or prop blasts. Easy to close by actuating the spring button release…
RicoB
Well Known Member
That’s sounds very interesting
To avoid this, place the stronger (200N) strut on the pilot side (providing you only open from that side) and this will avoid the twist, and still hold the canopy firmly up.
The only time my canopy is left open without my hand on it is when it is in the hangar..... it's way too expensive to leave to fate.
I put these stainless ones from JD Air on last year and I’ve been pretty happy with them. The soft open feature is really nice, I can just toss it up when I get out and not have to worry about it slamming open. They are pretty stiff so I had to change my procedure for closing it to prevent twisting the canopy.
www.jdair.com
Canopy Strut Set
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www.jdair.com
Two things...
1. Install your gas struts correctly and they will last longer. "Correctly" means that the cylinder is at the top when the canopy is open. This allows the oil in the cylinder to lubricate the seals so they don't dry out, and it prevents any slamming of the canopy into the open position because the oil in the strut dampens the final part of the extension - as they are designed to do.
2. Get the geometry correct when you build the plane and you will have less worries when opening and closing the canopy. Don't blindly follow what everyone else has done, think about it a bit and you'll understand how you can make it better. There is a post on here with an improved geometry and a description on where to place the struts.
1. Install your gas struts correctly and they will last longer. "Correctly" means that the cylinder is at the top when the canopy is open. This allows the oil in the cylinder to lubricate the seals so they don't dry out, and it prevents any slamming of the canopy into the open position because the oil in the strut dampens the final part of the extension - as they are designed to do.
2. Get the geometry correct when you build the plane and you will have less worries when opening and closing the canopy. Don't blindly follow what everyone else has done, think about it a bit and you'll understand how you can make it better. There is a post on here with an improved geometry and a description on where to place the struts.
