Is This Repairable?

[Direct C51]

Hi guys, so as noted in a previous thread, I managed to crack my canopy within a month of my first flight using some 70% Isopropyl Alcohol to wipe it clean. Has anyone repaired their canopy after similar cracking? My plan is to stop drill each individual crack the best that I can. I then plan to attach a plexiglass "doubler" on the underside of the cracked area using clear silicone. I'm hoping I can fly with this canopy until I get some down time to replace it. Any insight would be appreciated.

[fastj22]

I would just replace it. You've spent enough time, blood and coin to have a near perfect ship. In the grand scheme, a new canopy isn't that expensive. Just my two cents and worth every penny.

[Direct C51]

I agree about the replacement. However, after building for 3 years and essentially just having to rivet the fiberglass on and go fly, the last thing I want to do is wait for shipping, then fit a new canopy. I'm just looking for a temporary fix until I get the motivation to trim a new canopy.

[jeff0196]

Here is a good video:

http://www.eaavideo.org/detail/video/4930355377001/patching-plexiglass?autoStart=true&q=plexiglass

Sounds like you're on the right path to me. Make a repair until you have the time to make a new one.

[fastj22]

I agree about the replacement. However, after building for 3 years and essentially just having to rivet the fiberglass on and go fly, the last thing I want to do is wait for shipping, then fit a new canopy. I'm just looking for a temporary fix until I get the motivation to trim a new canopy.

I'm not saying don't fly it like it is, just start the wheels of replacement in motion. And don't let it drag you down. Stuff happens.

[kevinh]

Also - if you happen to be in norcal I accidentally ticked the 'include two canopies' option when I ordered my Waiex so I might have a spare.

[Direct C51]

Thanks for the encouragement guys. This has really brought me down. I think mostly because I am so close to being complete and ready to fly, and it was just such a stupid preventable mistake. I had been saying for weeks that I was going to get a sheet to put over the windscreen to keep the dust off, which would have prevented the overspray, the alcohol, and this whole mess. I think I'll get right to fixing it tomorrow so I can put it behind me, finish painting the fiberglass, and go fly this thing. I would have been pretty much complete with it had I not taken the last week off of building because I couldn't stand to look at it.

Kevin- I sent a PM about the spare canopy. Thank you for the possible offer.