Update on canopy progress

Fitted canopy side rails to forward canopy structure, match drilled this assembly, the took it all apart and deburred.   Started priming and painting some parts, including the handle and aft canopy frame.

Decent progress.

Progress on canopy

Canopy is going very well so far.  LOTS of time spent prepping parts including priming and painting as parts are fitted - fitting is itself an interesting process.  The aft canopy rail angle, aft canopy rail flange, and aft canopy rail take quite a bit of fluting, shaping, match drilling etc.

One lesson I keep forgetting is that priming and painting are hard in mid-summer Florida humidity.  I had to re-do several parts - finally just gave up on the outside work and did these in the shop.  Smelly but better results.

But when all this is done, they go together nicely.  Fluting the angle in particular was hard as it is a very thick part - I ended up using the vise as a helper to fully squeeze the flutes (Vise also helpful in "unfluting" where part was "over corrected").  I'm pleased with results of the final assembly - one interesting part is driving the shop head of rivets on bottom of the angle into countersunk holes.  The size 3 rivets are nice and (almost) flush, but the size 4's stick out a bit.  Instructions make this sound acceptable as a seal will end up in this area but if necessary i can sand those down a bit later.

Updated Panel Design

Getting closer to finalized. 

Canopy moving along

More work fitting the canopy parts including checking for twist.  I get about a .4 degree "twist" - played around a bit but couldn't get much better than this.  I don't think a small fraction of a degree is going to be a problem. 

More drilling, clecos, deburring etc today.  Satisfied with progress. 

Canopy construction begins...

Back from Oshkosh and vacation, started on the canopy.  I had prepped a few parts before leaving but today got going in earnest.  Lots of fussy fitting and many clecos in/out/in/out.   Finally satisfied with fit of these parts to canopy skin.   I took it all apart, deburred, scuffed, and started the priming / paint process.  Hopefully will start some riveting tomorrow.

Planning for panel.

First - not much happening on build as I'm taking time off to take a vacation which includes a couple of days at EAA Airventure in Oshkosh. 

I've been working with Nick at SteinAir over the past few days to plan my panel.  This is the latest revision of the plans.  I'd love to hear opinions from those who follow this blog!

N-number should be N14VB, pending confirmation from FAA.

Making (slow) progress on finish kit

Shortly after receiving the finish kit, I started the installation of the rear window.  Followed instructions very precisely/carefully and when almost finished with drilling, I noticed a crack on the leading edge:  this crack extended about 2 1/2 inches.  So... I re-ordered the window.   Got this installed over this past weekend, no issues.  Also have completed the canopy open/close mechanism and have started prepping parts for main canopy including initial riveting of the canopy hinge assemblies.   Lots of parts cut out from punched parts and also prepped to varying degrees.

Heading to Oshkosh soon so won't be getting back to work for the next 10 days or so.