Ventus B - Fixed to Tilt Panel Conversion

Anybody ever convert a fixed aluminum panel to a tilt version - using
the factory or any other design.

Question 2 ... can you replace the aluminum panel with a glass
version ... perhaps with the addition of tabs or stiffeners ...

thanks,

On Dec 24, 8:20*am, "Ken Kochanski (KK)"
wrote:
Anybody ever convert a fixed aluminum panel to a tilt version - using
the factory or any other design.

Question 2 ... can you replace the aluminum panel with a glass
version ... perhaps with the addition of tabs or stiffeners ...

thanks,

Ken,

I converted my ventus b panel to fiberglass and moved it aft. Arms
too short..

I put a stiffener .25" X 2" aluminum bar with angle brackets about
12 inches forward of the original panel.

I have several fiber glass panels they are cut for the Craggy Aero
Ultimate. Pictures on the following page

http://www.craggyaero.com/ultimate.htm

Richard
www.craggyaero.com

On Dec 24, 8:20*am, "Ken Kochanski (KK)"
wrote:
Anybody ever convert a fixed aluminum panel to a tilt version - using
the factory or any other design.

Question 2 ... can you replace the aluminum panel with a glass
version ... perhaps with the addition of tabs or stiffeners ...

thanks,

Ken,

I also have a mold for a blank panel and could make you one.

Call if you are interested

Richard
www.craggyaero.com

You can buy the tilt-up panel parts from Schempp-Hirth. Heinz would
know.
Perhaps there's a used one about somewhere, from a wrecked Ventus C or
later?
Liz Schwenkler did the mod on the Nimbus 3 I bought from her. Tilt-
up glass panel with tabs on it and notches cut in the canopy rail.
Also requires tabs on the glare shield. You may need a new glare
shield for the flat-topped panel, if your B has a round panel.
The S-H tilt up panels take a bit of getting used to. They make it
nicer to get in and out, except that you must use two steps to close
the canopy:
1. Tilt panel down.
2. Close canopy.
Skipping step 1 could break the forward hinge on the canopy. Rented a
Ventus C in South Africa which was combat repaired from the previous
pilot making that mistake.
Another note. Cut the brake handle down so it won't hit anything in
the panel. My radio was in the lowest spot, and when I bought the
glider the stick had to be moved out of the way to lower the panel
without hitting the dual concentric knobs. Cutting an inch or so off
the motorcycle brake handle fixed that.
You know the ridge will be working the day you rip the glider apart!
Jim

On Dec 24, 9:52*am, JS wrote:
* You can buy the tilt-up panel parts from Schempp-Hirth. Heinz would
know.
Perhaps there's a used one about somewhere, from a wrecked Ventus C or
later?
* Liz Schwenkler did the mod on the Nimbus 3 I bought from her. Tilt-
up glass panel with tabs on it and notches cut in the canopy rail.
Also requires tabs on the glare shield. You may need a new glare
shield for the flat-topped panel, if your B has a round panel.
* The S-H tilt up panels take a bit of getting used to. They make it
nicer to get in and out, except that you must use two steps to close
the canopy:
1. Tilt panel down.
2. Close canopy.
Skipping step 1 could break the forward hinge on the canopy. Rented a
Ventus C in South Africa which was combat repaired from the previous
pilot making that mistake.
* Another note. Cut the brake handle down so it won't hit anything in
the panel. My radio was in the lowest spot, and when I bought the
glider the stick had to be moved out of the way to lower the panel
without hitting the dual concentric knobs. Cutting an inch or so off
the motorcycle brake handle fixed that.
* You know the ridge will be working the day you rip the glider apart!
Jim


Good idea cutting the brake handle.

Mine after the short arms mod could hit a radio knob if it was full
forward.

Thanks,

Richard
www.craggyaero.com

Forgot it also needs tabs on the canopy rail to stop the panel from
jumping up on those red-line ridge days.
Jim

On Dec 24, 11:20*am, "Ken Kochanski (KK)"
wrote:
Anybody ever convert a fixed aluminum panel to a tilt version - using
the factory or any other design.

Question 2 ... can you replace the aluminum panel with a glass
version ... perhaps with the addition of tabs or stiffeners ...

thanks,

You should think about replacing the aluminum panel with a
glass part with a beefy flange. Much safer in an accident.
Proven unfortunately the hard way.

Hope that helps,
See ya Dave

On Dec 24, 12:52*pm, JS wrote:
* Another note. Cut the brake handle down so it won't hit anything in
the panel. My radio was in the lowest spot, and when I bought the
glider the stick had to be moved out of the way to lower the panel
without hitting the dual concentric knobs. Cutting an inch or so off
the motorcycle brake handle fixed that.

Or just throw the handle away, doesn't do anything anyway...

On Dec 24, 2:59*pm, Dave Nadler wrote:
( brake handle)
Or just throw the handle away, doesn't do anything anyway...

Good point!
The hydraulic brake mod helps.
Jim

Hydraulic brake mod ?