Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers
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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.
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IMG_6131.jpeg, 3 MB
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Dave Gardea
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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
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Permalink Reply by christopher fryatt
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stop drill and add a doubler
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Permalink Reply by Orlando
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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
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