Flying Legend Tucano-R at Rylstone: Canopy Bubble

Installation

A 10 mm bead of adhesive was run around the perimeter of the frame over the stand-off beads to the size recommended and the a second at the base of the frame

With two people the canopy was lifted over the frame, stretched and fitted to the frame and a problem was noted.

The edge would not extrude the sealant without finger pressure and this required the use of clamps of which there were not nearly enough. A run to the local hardware store was required and about $195 worth of clamps purchased. These were applied with small blocks and light pressure applied to align the canopy and extrude the excess.

At this time is was beginning to go off so a mild sweat was raised. The excess mostly extruded at the base creating a awful mess but as I was time challenged. Cleaning up, Googled cleaning up Sikaflex 295 and read a comment like "cannot be removed after curing"

The aftermath - leaving for a holiday

Time to hit the panic button. Having no white spirit I resorted to the only safe choise I had available. WD-40. This raised more than a light sweat but 95% was removed.

After curing I found that it can be rubbed off unprepared perspex with the thumb as outlined by Dave in his UK notes.

This is a difference called experience.

What went wrong?

Blogger

Home-builders are faced with a real problem - that is they have to be a master of the process with no experience - sorry to all those human resource's managers who believe you only need training, nothing is a substitute for experiance.

Application of these products is a skill to complete correctly so all there is to do is review the outcome and learn.

Comments

Sika was chosen as I could not find the product that Dave used. It's a complete system, has documented performance and was available locally.

I liked the idea of the additional stiffness these products provide - 30% of the torsion rigity of a modern car body is in the glass attachment.

White was chosen as the Shorts Tucano has a distinct white border and the thinking was when I edged it would look correct if it ended up to large.

The cons are application of the primer - it is black and cannot be removed except mechanically - I have a spot to remove but it will be handled by a professional.

The selection of the chamfer and the outside edge as the cut line - this created a tight seal and if doing again the inside edge would be used with a square edge. This was discussed previously but the builder lacked the courage to cut the perimeter again. The conclusion is that there is more than enough adhesive area.

Should have used tape alignment mark at both ends as one side is too high by about a 1 mn and exacerbated the problem - forgot.

I would make sure I have at least 15 - 20 quick clamps or small sash clamps with plastic covers. Also have a series of 3 x 1 DAR pine cut onto 150 - 200 mm lengths covered with packing tape for quick release.

There would be a bottle of white spirit ready for a quick clean up. Do not believe the technical representative who say "it cleans up easily with a clean cloth" - refer comments above

Do not use white sealant - black is the only choice

The inside face of the canopy not needing priming should have be tapped up and sealed - I missed this though I thought of it previously.

Time is your enemy with this product you have about 60 minutes to cleanup without owning a panic button.

Would I do it again - leaning to a yes but will have to see how it cleans up. I may be saved by the Shorts shroud and the white border - I hope.