Some pics finally...
I finally got some photos posted. The pics are not completely self explanatory but there are captions. Go to
http://picasaweb.google.com/rvtach and click on "Gluing My Slider Canopy" and then click on the "slideshow" icon.
Why did I want to glue my canopy?
I decided some time ago (during the wing phase of my RV-7A project) that I was going to glue my plexiglass canopy and wind screen (with Sikaflex products) versus drilling multiple holes in the plexi and attaching with screws and rivets. I like the look and I like the reduced risk of cracks. I think it will be plenty strong enough for this application.
Materials I used were purchased from Jamestown Distributors:
1. 2 tubes of Sikaflex 295UV adhesive (black)
2. 1 bottle of Sika Cleaner 226
3. 1 bottle of Sika Primer 209N
I will need a 3rd tube of adhesive because I plan to form the windscreen fairing with Sikaflex adhesive and sand to shape as documented by Jim Ellis on the RV Wiki. Otherwise this could have been done with 2 tubes of the adhesive.
That said, one should remember that the safest, surest, simplest, quickest, least expensive way to build one of Van?s kits is to do it just the way Van says to. This is the only part of my project that I might say is actually ?experimental?. The rest is being built ?according to plans?.
Remember, don't follow me, I do not know where I'm going.
Jim McChesney
-7A QB Fuselage