Making a Canopy

On Tuesday, January 21, 2014 3:21:41 PM UTC-5, Guy B wrote:
I have a glider, a canopy frame, and a new plastic canopy, and now my problem is making them all come together into a functioning unit. I've searched this site, and found a bit of info, but still really need some detailed instruction on fastening the plastic to the frame.

I know the frame has to be fitted to the glider first, and the plastic cut, fitted, and glued to the frame, while in place on the glider. I understand that screws aren't necessary, and may in fact cause trouble.

I think I need a fine tooth circular saw, and grinder, some way of clamping, a specific adhesive and info on how to use it. I can't do any of this, but will be working with an experienced aircraft engineer, who is willing to give it a try.



Any help from this community would be appreciated. Or pointers to some place or person who can assist.



Thanks,

Guy

Kestrel 19 CF-FGR

http://www.toddscanopies.com/

Todd's Canopies, Inc.
1445 NE 33rd St., Ft Lauderdale, FL 33334

Phone # : 954-579-0874

Although I havent had a canopy made yet, on the phone Todd sounded very professional and fair with prices. He makes canopies from scratch as well for custom designs. Maybe he would be willing to provide advice to get you started.

Hunter

It's been 25+ years, but, while building a Quickie Q-2, I seem to recall
peeling back the protective coating on the plexi about an inch or so and
roughing it up with sand paper to promote adhesion. after applying flox (a
mix of epoxy and flocked cotton) around the perimeter of the frame, the
canopy was applied and held in place with duct tape run perpendicular to the
frame.

After setting up, I removed the duct tape, roughed up the outside of the
canopy about 1/2 - 2/3 inch up from the edge, filled with flox and glass
cloth. I'm sure there are better ways these days, but that's how I did it
in the 80s.

wrote in message
...
On Tuesday, January 21, 2014 3:21:41 PM UTC-5, Guy B wrote:
I have a glider, a canopy frame, and a new plastic canopy, and now my
problem is making them all come together into a functioning unit. I've
searched this site, and found a bit of info, but still really need some
detailed instruction on fastening the plastic to the frame.

I know the frame has to be fitted to the glider first, and the plastic
cut, fitted, and glued to the frame, while in place on the glider. I
understand that screws aren't necessary, and may in fact cause trouble.

I think I need a fine tooth circular saw, and grinder, some way of
clamping, a specific adhesive and info on how to use it. I can't do any of
this, but will be working with an experienced aircraft engineer, who is
willing to give it a try.



Any help from this community would be appreciated. Or pointers to some
place or person who can assist.



Thanks,

Guy

Kestrel 19 CF-FGR

http://www.toddscanopies.com/

Todd's Canopies, Inc.
1445 NE 33rd St., Ft Lauderdale, FL 33334

Phone # : 954-579-0874

Although I havent had a canopy made yet, on the phone Todd sounded very
professional and fair with prices. He makes canopies from scratch as well
for custom designs. Maybe he would be willing to provide advice to get you
started.

Hunter