G STRV-banner%20-%20small

38-18 to 19 Attaching Rails & Aft Canopy Frame Assembly

IMG_4081

We clamped the structure to the workbench with the Canopy Fixtures clecoed to ensure correct geometry.

We set the the skin rivets with the gun.

I discovered that it was easier to get a tight fit where the lower part of the rail attaches to the Canopy Assembly skin by setting the side rivets first.

IMG_4082

Then used the squeezer for the 470’s on the rail flanges.

IMG_4084

But the rail tab 470’s easiest with the gun.

A few well placed wooden blocks ensured the bucking bar was positioned correctly for the awkward outer 470.

IMG_4085

A long set on the gun worked well.

IMG_4086

Pretty straightforward attaching the Aft Frame.

You could probably get most rivets with the squeezer, but because I had some help today we bucked some of the harder ones to access.

IMG_4090

With the structure all connected I decided to spray the interior with my Cockpit Grey 2K.

I masked off the top skin since I’ll be painting the glare shield a dark matt colour.

IMG_4092

After some head scratching I came up with this way to support it whilst allowing enough access for spraying.

IMG_4167

I managed to get paint into all the nooks and crannies without any runs : )

IMG_4110

The Canopy Pin Blocks have to be countersunk.

I used my deburring tool to machine the ones nearest the raised portion.

IMG_4168

Nice little job to attach the Canopy Pin Blocks to the painted canopy frame.

Well it’s getting close to the time when I’ll have to face the canopy plexiglass … gulp!

IMG_4169

2 comments on 38-18 to 19 Attaching Rails & Aft Canopy Frame Assembly
  1. Arwyn

    Your progressing in leaps and bounds !

  2. Steve

    That’s the silver lining to Covid19! : )

Leave a Reply to Arwyn Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *