Windshield seal

[Murray Parr]

Does anyone use a sealant to seal the windshield? I imagine any rain would just leak past the skirt and into the cab. What, if anything have others done to prevent this or am I just worrying over nothing?

[Matt541]

I used Permatex Ultra Black on the leading edge of my legacy Sonex, but that one's out in the elements whereas I believe the B model is covered. Some of my reasoning for doing that was for water, the rest being that I noticed some daylight between the firewall, mounting strip and windscreen and was concerned about CO.

[GordonTurner]

Hi Matt

1. Did you select permatex black for any particular reason?

2. Is it really visible or not noticeable?

Thanks, Gordon

[Matt541]

1. Did you select permatex black for any particular reason?

2. Is it really visible or not noticeable?

Hi Gordon!

1.For starters, Ultra Black is my go to silicone for most things. Heck, I just used it to "pot" connections on my ignition box. But more importantly, it's non acetic, so I'm not worried about it etching/ damaging whatever surface I use it on. (How to tell? If your silicone smells like vinegar, it's acetic.)

I'm honestly not 100% sure if an acetic silicone would damage lexan or plexi. I've used them in other applications without noticing an issue. Metal is a different story. I would love to hear other people's thoughts on that.

On a legacy, the leading edge of the windscreen is right along the firewall, so the Ultra Black being fuel and oil resistant is a big plus. The larger can version would make it much easier to apply than the tubes, wish I used that one instead. It's the 9.5 oz "Power Bead" can. So far, it's not drying out between uses either.
( https://youtu.be/j4y1PbkzwRo?t=290 This is using the can version, not going back to the tubes. There's an Amazon link in the video description if your local auto parts store doesn't have it. But they should.)

2. It all depends on how well you do it. Get someone to give you a hand, that was a mistake I made. Done properly, it spreads out evenly to the edges of the strip and screen and actually isn't noticeable at all. (Actually gotten some comments to that effect.) You can smooth out the leading edge just like caulking a tub. If it doesn't come all the way out, you can back fill it and smooth again. (I had to do that in spots.) In fact, I used the same silicone "squeegee" I use on tubs...

[SonexN76ET]

I used the thin silicone chaff seal from Aircraft Spruce between the windscreen and the airframe. I think it is 1/16 inch by 1 inch.

Also on the windscreen strap I used the soft side Velcro to form a seal. It is the Velcro with the heavy duty adhesive backing.

Jake

[GordonTurner]

Hi Jake

The Velcro on the windscreen bow. Have you flown in any rain? Does it keep that out?

Gordon

[Murray Parr]

Thanks for the responses, I think I will try the Permatex ultra black :-)

[Matt541]

No problem, let us know how you make out with it on the B model. Cheers!

[SonexN76ET]

The soft side Velcro on the windscreen strap is about 95% effective keeping the rain out. I get a few drips in the center when flying in rain.

Jake

[GordonTurner]

Thanks Jake