For canopy cracks, Gallagher is the GOAT!

[PandaCub]

After reading many threads on RV canopy cracks, I made an appointment with Lew Gallagher of Greenville, SC (KGMU) and he didn't disappoint.

My RV-8 has a Todd's tinted canopy, which looked perfect when the aircraft was under construction in Georgia. Fast forward a few years and I moved it west where I routinely cruise at altitudes up to 14,000 ft (in subzero temperatures). Above the Continental Divide one day, I heard a sickening "pop" and upon landing in Arizona found the crack pictured below. A few weeks later another crack appeared mid-canopy and my heart sank at the sight of TWO fissures on the starboard side.

Lew spent several days doing his magic while I went camping in South Carolina. Came back to fixed plexiglass ready to rock 'n roll @ +6/-3g The repair is visible but not at all distracting, and it saved me from the onerous and expensive task of replacing the plexiglass. Thanks, Lew!

First crack:



Second Crack:



After repair ("Look ma, no more duct tape"):

 

[AN23]

After reading many threads on RV canopy cracks, I made an appointment with Lew Gallagher of Greenville, SC (KGMU) and he didn't disappoint.

My RV-8 has a Todd's tinted canopy, which looked perfect when the aircraft was under construction in Georgia. Fast forward a few years and I moved it west where I routinely cruise at altitudes up to 14,000 ft (in subzero temperatures). Above the Continental Divide one day, I heard a sickening "pop" and upon landing in Arizona found the crack pictured below. A few weeks later another crack appeared mid-canopy and my heart sank at the sight of TWO fissures on the starboard side.

Lew spent several days doing his magic while I went camping in South Carolina. Came back to fixed plexiglass ready to rock 'n roll @ +6/-3g The repair is visible but not at all distracting, and it saved me from the onerous and expensive task of replacing the plexiglass. Thanks, Lew!

First crack:

View attachment 76067

Second Crack:

View attachment 76068

After repair ("Look ma, no more duct tape"):

View attachment 76069

Lew is THE best

 

[jhrubos]

I also had Lew make repairs to my rear windscreen and not only is the work wonderful and saved me many dollars but Lew is truly a very nice human being and a pleasure to do business with

 

[tracy]

He also fixed a crack on my rv8 six years ago and did a great job.

 

[Shadetree]

I had Lew take care of the cracks in my RV9A canopy. Did an outstanding job.

 

[brad walton]

Tell us about the process Lew Gallagher uses

 

[Dad's RV-10]

Tell us about the process Lew Gallagher uses

Reader's Digest version;

Lew uses a product called PlastiFix. He grinds into the crack on both sides and builds it back up with PlastiFix. He then completes a series of polishing steps.

Lew posted his contact info here.

 

[AN23]

I've personally watched Lew make these repairs. One of those repairs was on my RV7. I'll just say that it requires a bunch of skill and a little magic. It's not as easy as just getting "the stuff" and globing it on. Kind of like welding.....there's welding, then there's artwork welding.

 

[Gabe214]

Just curious, the canopy cracking from temperature change… I wonder if It has to do with how the canopy locks and puts tension on one side only?