Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers
Online Community of Zenith Builders and Flyers
Cracked Rear Canopy on 650
Question for the Masses,
Is there any way or recommendation on how to repair a 2.5” crack on the canopy?
I was careful on the type of drill bit I used. Took my time to avoid any issues on the fitting. Then when it came time to install, everything was going well until one of the last rivets. When I riveted, the canopy cracked. Very discouraging. Does anyone have any tips or tricks? The right answer is probably ordering a new canopy and starting over, but I’d prefer not. Attached is a picture for reference.
- Attachments:
-
-
IMG_6131.jpeg, 3 MB
-
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Dave Gardea on
-
Benjamin, immediately start by stop drilling the end of the crack with a small plexiglass bit so it doesn’t get longer. Given you have some canopy hardware near the crack consider extending it to support that cracked portion. I developed a crack on the pilot side of my canopy when installing. I ended up drilling holes for canopy vents in that location on on both sides. Crack is still there but supported by the canopy side rail and now only extends up less than an inch to the canopy vent.
Regards,
Dave
-
Permalink Reply by christopher fryatt on
-
stop drill and add a doubler
-
Permalink Reply by Orlando on
-
I repaired a crack in my canopy that developed after riveting to the side rails by stop drilling, dremeling out a 90° V groove in the crack, filling with Plastifix, sanding and buffing smooth with a meguiars headlight restoration kit. The filled crack has a hazyness to it from the filler material but isn't too noticeable and has held up for over 5 years now without an issue.
I followed this guys method: https://www.polyvance.com/pfxcanopy.php-1
New from Zenith:
Classified listing for buying or selling your Zenith building or flying related stuff...
Custom Instrument Panels
for your Zenith:
Custom instrument panels are now available directly from Zenith Aircraft Company exclusively for Zenith builders and owners. Pre-cut panel, Dynon and Garmin avionics, and more.
Zenith Homecoming Tee:
Flying On Your Own Wings:
A Complete Guide to Understanding Light Airplane Design, by Chris Heintz
Builder & Pilot Supplies:
Pro Builder Assistance:
Transition training:
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty for all your building and pilot supplies!
How to videos from HomebuiltHELP.com
Developed specifically for Zenith builders (by a builder) these videos on DVD are a great help in building your own kit plane by providing practical hands-on construction information. Visit HomebuiltHelp.com for the latest DVD titles.
© 2024 Created by Zenith.Aero.
Powered by
