Canopy latch mod

[Fastcapy]

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[mike.smith]

I put a new Matco pneumatic 6" tailwheel on to quiet the loud banging I had with the hockey puck called for in the plans (what a difference). Anyway, I did some taxi tests the other day to test it out and got the full greenhouse effect of the canopy. My AveoAir vents dont give me much airflow at taxi speed so was thinking of doing the canopy latch mod to get some more airflow when at taxi speeds.

I know some have done this mod and I was wondering if anyone here who has done it could tell me what size angle they used and how far apart they made the latching slots.

Thanks!

The long leg is 4"

http://www.mykitlog.com/users/display_l ... 904&row=53

Mike

[Fastcapy]

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[mike.smith]

Where did you find 1/8in thick angle with the 4in width. All I seem to find is 1/4in thick stuff in that size.

I think you actually need to look for a 4" CHANNEL. I don't remember if I found .125 (1/8") thickness, or just something close, like this:

http://www.discountsteel.com/items/6061 ... &size_no=5

There is an inside radius on a channel, so you might need to check to make sure it's not too large compared to the radius of the outside corner of the aluminum tube that makes up the bottom rail of the canopy structure. It looks like "Aluminum Association" channels are the profile you want (rather than American Standard):
http://www.who-sells-it.com/cy/metals-d ... ge-19.html

Mike

[rizzz]

I did not make mine quite as long so I was able to use a 2.5" angle:


Time will tell if this is enough to allow a cool breeze to get into the cockpit.

[gammaxy]

How do you keep the canopy from opening when it is in the second set of notches? On mine the canopy is flexible enough to allow it to slide backwards and unlatch, even with the lock pin in place. This is because that bullet shaped guide pin isn't long enough for the second set of notches.

Do others make a longer guide pin? I'm considering this, but a little worried that the longer lever arm will damage the threaded hole, so would like to see what method others have been successful with.

[radfordc]

I use a small aluminun tab that slips into the slot and prevents the canopy rail from slidding back.

[gammaxy]

I use a small aluminun tab that slips into the slot and prevents the canopy rail from slidding back.

That seems like a great solution. Thanks.

[mike.smith]

Here is what I did. The same locking pin that holds the canopy fully closed, also keeps it in the partially open position:

http://www.mykitlog.com/users/display_l ... 6165&row=1

When on the outside of the airplane I can just slip my hand in between the canopy and fuselage (pin in hand) and slide the pin in place. So I can leave the canopy partially open and, unless someone is willing to reach in and pull the pin, be fairly certain it won't get opened up.

Mike Smith
Sonex N439M

[radfordc]

Here is how I did mine.