Canopy
updated May 29, 2005
Once the shape was found, it was  transferred to some partical board. I cut some 1" foam for the "roll bar" in the canopy frame.  Note the curve.
Step 1 was to 'flatten' the canopy to make more horizontal head room.
Once cured, I shaped using a 45 degree block to ensure consistent shape. After shaping, I layed up 2 layers of Carbon and peel ply.
I epoxied the foam in place.
Once cured, I shaped using the same 45 degree block. After shaping, I layed up 2 layers of Carbon and peel ply.
I used 0.50" last-o-foam for the front bow.  Cut and glassed in place.
I stacked 3 layers of 2" foam.  The 'stair' effect is due to the angle of the longerons. I made some templates of the fuse sides to ensure the same curve.  I used cross members to maintain vertical level.
Once the arches were done, I needed to determine how much to raise the Rand Canopy Fame to clear my 6' body - about 3"
....and finished with a sanding block Once smooth, I layed up a layer of carbon on each side.
I used a hand saw to rough shape the foam
After trimming more and being satisfied with the angle of frame, this is where I ended up. I epoxied the exposed foam to the frame and layed up another layer of carbon.  The alum is there to keep it vertically level.
Afer curing, I trimmed carbon away to give the RR canopy frame some foam to epoxy to.
Once foam work was complete, I needed to insert wood to in key areas to support latches, hinges, and gas struts. I wanted strong wood for these key areas, so I epoxied spruce and oak together
After curing, I was able to shape the inside of the frame to give it a nice transition.
I epoxied the wood in place and carved out the foam to fill with flox at the joints.
I layed up a layer of carbon along the bottom and glass over the front.
I shaped the wood to match the curve of the frame.
I trimmed the canopy and test fit it onto the frame.
I floxed the canopy in place.
Here is the finished frame.  Not bad for KR work....
Here is 90% canopy  I still need to add glass to finish the canopy to the frame as well as fill and finish sand the frame.
>> Click to see Canopy Hinges
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