Showplanes Fastback

Canopy Installation

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This post covers a couple different shop sessions, but it easiest to combine all here. First I installed the canopy on the rails. Next I started installing all of the latch mechanisms. I’m pretty sure I covered that on here way back when I initially did all the work. I did have to make some slight changes to the locking mechanism lengths.

I also created strike plates out of plastic at each end of the locking mechanism. I completed the taxi latch position. I used some tape and a little pressure to mark the appropriate drilling location.

I’m really happy with the result. The lock is still pretty stiff, but I suspect it will loosen with time. Also I over adjusted the gas strut, and it has less power than I would like. I’ll probably replace it at some point. (Edit: I replaced with one provided by my buddy Keith. I kept it much more stiff and I’m very happy with it.)

Roll Bar

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My buddy Jared had previously come over and tack welded the roll bar. He then took it back and had one of his guys TIG weld it. I did a check of the level, and then it got sent back for powder coating. I’m very happy with the final result!

  

Canopy Work and New Toys

This entry was posted in Construction Fuselage Showplanes Fastback on by

Not a ton to report in this post. I started reviewing my work on the canopy to figure out exactly what remained. I had not attached the hinge cover that blocks air so I attached that. I removed tape and prepared the final portions of the canopy. I didn’t document this with photos well.

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I also did some work on the instrument panel cover.

My current approach to work is to finish remaining work on the tail and the wings so that I can concentrate on the firewall forward etc. To that end, I made a number of purchases this week.

First, I bought the Garmin heated pitot tube (unregulated.)

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Next, I bought the ACK ELT.

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I also bought almost all of my lighting requirements from Flyleds.com. This included the 9000 lumen Seven Stars landing light (here’s the heat sink). The wingtip nav and strobe lights. (not shown)

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The tail strobe.

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I also bought the JD Air tailwheel arm, and still in the mail is a Doug Bell tailwheel fork. Also not pictured is the Archer wingtip VOR antenna. I only bought one landing light, as I wanted to see the build quality, and test the light against the Baja designs lights before committing to two. These purchases get me a lot closer to having most of the components required to complete the tail and wings.

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