06/07/2017 - Canopy deck works - 2h

Started working on the F-721B canopy decks. These were drilled earlier to the longeron after it had been bent and now needs some more modification to fit with the F-757-S plate.

First I modified the F-757-S  as per the plan DWG25 for a sliding canopy. The part comes without the cutout so you need to mark the dimensions on the plate and then make a 2 inch radius cut out on the inside corner.
Best is to draw a line in the length direction to mark the 1" 13/32 mark.
The 2 inch radius will not extend to the side so it's hard to estimate that your radius doesn't pass the 1"13/32 mark.

I used a fly cutter in the bench drill and aligned the extend of the knife to the 2" 3/8 mark and then aligned the piece so that the other part of the radius didn't pass the 1" 13/32 line.
Worked fine and just needed to grind away the last bit on the front to make it straight. Worked fine.

The next step is quite complicated as well. You need to cut a sleeve in the canopy deck between two marked points. This is where the F-757 will slide in.
It sounds simple but cutting a straight line with a dremel tool and a cutting disc is always a challenge for me.

I scratched my head for a while and then decided to clamp a wood block on the canopy deck in order to guide the disc while cutting.
This worked very well. Just slide the front of the cutting bit against the wood and keep the dremel level. This ensures a straight and quite clean cut that doesn't take away too much material.

 This is how the cut looks like. Uncleaned directly after the cut.

 And here it is after cleaning it up with some key files and sanding paper.
Passenger side

Then did the same for the one on the pilot side.

Installed it on the canoe.

At first, the F-757 wouldn't fit very nicely in the longeron. I rounded the top edge as the manual suggests and now have a good flat mating connection of the F-757-S to the longeron.

 The forward side also butt's nicely in the longeron. Ready to drill, but that's for the next session.


Site Options

Legal Mumbo-Jumbo

It’s possible (not likely) that I’m not as smart as I think I am. (Occasionally, I have moments when I know this to be true. Fortunately, the feeling passes quickly.) Although I have tried to make this information as accurate as I can, it is not only possible, but also quite likely, that erroneous and misguided information lurks within these pages. I cannot and do not warrant these pages to be error free and correct. Furthermore, I accept no liability for the use of this (mis)information. And, as many would say, your mileage may vary. If, after reading this, you are intent on proceeding, please be aware that the contents of this site are protected by copyright (copyright © 2011 and 2012). Nonetheless, you may copy this material subject to these two conditions: (1) any information used is for non-commercial purposes, and (2) the source of the material is properly credited. Of course, you may link to any page herein. At some articles, snippets of the plans from Vans are visible. These are for educational and illustrations purposes only and should never be used as plans for part construction or assembly as plans may have changed since the picture was taken and more important they are protected by Copyright by the Vans Aircraft Mothership company.