Section: 38

Hours: 4

Here is the new canopy frame next to the old frame. Next up is painting.

Section: 38

Hours: 8

I sanded down the fiberglass layup to match the contours specified in the manual. Then I applied epoxy glass bead filler to smooth over pinholes and build up the contour in a couple low spots. Then I mounted the canopy back on the fuselage and buttoned everything up because I will be taking at least a month off while I go through surgery to donate a kidney to my brother up in Seattle.

Section: 38

Hours: 8

I sanded and roughed up the canopy frame skirt area and plexiglass for fiberglassing, applied an epoxy and  glass bead fillet and then layed up the fiberglass skirt. I used lots of black pigment this time to ensure the view from inside the cockpit will not show any light areas at the fillet area.

 Section: 38

Hours: 6

I riveted the side skirts on, inserted the back shims and bolted the plexiglass in place. Everything fit really well and the canopy opens and closes smoothly.

Section: 38

Hours: 6

I transported the plexiglass to the airport and fitted it on the canopy frame. Luckily the rebuilt frame almost exactly matches the original so I did not have to do any reshaping of the plexiglass.