The next step in the canopy preparation was to trim back the new fiberglass I laid on the left forward arm. This time the cutting/trimming was was a lot easier. I believe it was because I did a better job masking off the canopy to keep the new fiberglass from adhering to unwanted areas. Lesson learned!
Next it was onto sanding. There was considerably less sanding of the right side due to the previous application and sanding steps already finished. the new/left side took more work, but it wasnt too difficult. It was clear the areas that needed to be filled. I also took the time to scuff/sand the gas strut attach brackets as they will be painted to match the rest of the canopy interior rather than the black as they come with.
I test fitted the center support arm to make sure it could lay flat in the recess in the overhead console and flat on the bolt spacers through the canopy. I found I needed to build a small ramp to ease the fiberglass down from the front sufficiently to allow the support arm to lay flat.
I then proceeded to sand the rest of the canopy interior. I sanded the overhead console – this was to remove the mold release agent that was still on it from manufacturering and to help ensure the paint primer will hold on better. I also sanded the aft portion of the interior even though it will be covered by the overhead console. So I only gave it a quick sanding with some 40 grit to rough up the surface.
To ensure the overhead is airtight, I applied a light fillet of lightweight filler on the exterior of the console where it attaches to the canopy. This is to ensure there are no airholes through the adhesive epoxy that was used to secure it in place. The overhead console will be connected to fresh air vents so the console will be slightly “pressured” from the ram air and any small holes will allow cold air into the cabin even in cold weather. Ensuring the console is airtight now will help stop those leaks.
I also cut off and cleaned up the bottom of the forward support arms. The bottom of the green foam corresponds to point where the interior quarter panel in the fuselage will contact the canopy top. This may need to be adjusted during the final fit, but this give me a good mark to shoot for.
At this point, the right side is most likely done with the epoxy filler and the rest of the work will be done with the paint primer. It is a “high build” primer which means it has heft and substance to help fill low areas and pin holes. Once painted on and sanded, it will provide a smooth finish for paint. The left side will need another sanding/filler step before it is ready for primer.
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