RV-8- Fitting Canopy to Frame

[N804RV]

I'm guessing those that have already done this will know exactly where I'm at and how to answer this question. But, looking at the following pictures, it seems to me I have to cut a bunch more, well above the red line that was drawn by Van's, before I'm gonna make any further progress. What say ye?

Ruler shows how far canopy is from touching the frame and roll bar.

 

[rv8ch]

It's kind of hard to see from the photos, but generally you have to cut enough, but not too much. I would not trust any suggested lines on the canopy, but take your time removing what you think needs to be removed. As you have probably read in other threads, make sure it's warm, use the right tools, and then when you have the right sizes, carefully polish all the edges. The "big cut" is the scariest part, but keep in mind you can do a lot of cleanup later with shims, sikaflex, carbon fiber, etc. Take your time. Don't use rivets.

 

[PhatRV]

You have more cuts to do. From the rear bow, you need to cut it closer to the steel bow as in the line. However, go slow and incrementally cut small slices until the canopy will naturally drapes the frame. It will drape over the roll bar but it will only get there if you cut more.

 

[PhatRV]

The side first picture is too small for me to see the details. In general, you need to trim the side until the canopy will start to interfere with the frame vertical members intersect the horizontal piece in the red circles below. You will know when you get there. Keep the clamps on the side section to. Eventually after you are close, you will see the natural curve forming. Right now, the sides of the canopy basically fall straight down. Are you get close, they will form the round shape, tucked in closer to the frame rails, when looking fore-and-aft, the middle section is wider than the section touching the frame. When you get there, you may have to scallop a relief cut so the canopy will clear the intersection members. Go slow.

 

[rlmccarter]

Agree, go slowly. I made a gross cut to remove the canopy flange then trimmed smaller amounts incrementally to clear interference with the fuselage as the canopy settled onto the frame. Don't trim the canopy to the edge of the frame. Leave at least another half inch. The extra won't be a problem and will give some edge distance.

 

[RV8Squaz]

It won’t fit the way you want it to fit until you’ve made the big cut. You can’t make the big cut until you’ve gotten a little closer. It’s the old chicken or the egg story. I would focus on getting it closer to the roll bar, but of course that requires removing material almost all the way around. Don’t trim off the back end if you don’t have to because it will change once you’ve made the big cut. That said, it looks like you have more to go.

How’s that for a totally vague answer?!

 

[RV8Squaz]

P.S. I agree with everything PhatRV said, but especially the relief cuts.

 

[Marlonyoung]

Keep cutting, you will eventually get there. Luckily I had someone who had done this before helping which made the process a lot easier. I think you can see in my second cut the Vans redline, and all the cuts after that were above the red line