I don't think I want to hear the answer to this question. I've completed riveting my canopy frame (9A if that matters) except the aft splice plate, my hinges are drilled. I thought everything was lining up well, but now that it's solid and clamped in place, I have a gap problem. At the back of the canopy I have the requisite 1/8" gap to the canopy rail. By the time I get up to the splice to the frame weldment, the gap jumps up to 5/16". I can press it down to 1/8" but it won't stay there. The side gap at the front is similarly large. The same thing happens on both sides. In case it may help visualize the installation, the gap between the canopy and forward skins is about 3/16" on top down to 1/16" on the sides. The aft channel is clamped to the cabin frame with the 7/8" spacers called for in the plans. With the canopy skin clecoed on, I have a 5/32" gap to the side skin.
Here's a picture of the forward gap.
And one of the gap at the splice. There's a 1/8" spacer under the orange tape.
So here's what I see for options.
1. Build on. Not so sure that's an option, the final assembly might not line up and I'll probably never get a good seal on the canopy.
2. Replace the splice plates and wedges to change the angle of the splice. That would probably allow me to close the gap at the splice plate, but isn't going to help at the front end.
3. Gulp. Order a new canopy frame along with the splice plates and redo it. That's $300 plus shipping, so I'm not excited about that. If that's what I have to do though, I'll do it.
Anybody been there done that? Or maybe even avoided this issue altogether and can share their wisdom.
Here's a picture of the forward gap.
And one of the gap at the splice. There's a 1/8" spacer under the orange tape.
So here's what I see for options.
1. Build on. Not so sure that's an option, the final assembly might not line up and I'll probably never get a good seal on the canopy.
2. Replace the splice plates and wedges to change the angle of the splice. That would probably allow me to close the gap at the splice plate, but isn't going to help at the front end.
3. Gulp. Order a new canopy frame along with the splice plates and redo it. That's $300 plus shipping, so I'm not excited about that. If that's what I have to do though, I'll do it.
Anybody been there done that? Or maybe even avoided this issue altogether and can share their wisdom.
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