I have completed my canopy using the Sika process and I am moving on to the windshield. I have viewed several builders web sites and I have searched this forum and the web for instruction, but I still have several important questions that I could sure use some help with.
My plan is to attach the windshield with spacers to the roll bar and the forward deck with primer and Sika, then allow to cure before attempting to draw the sides in and gluing them.
The attachment of the windshield to the roll bar is identical to the process used on the canopy to its frame. The use of spacers and back filling with Sika is easy enough on the roll bar, but I am unsure of what is necessary for the forward section and eventually, the sides.
The Sika process seems to demand that there be a gap between the two primered surfaces for proper adhesion. I suppose that a small gap can be set for the forward section where the windshield attaches to the front deck. The forward section of the windshield will be primed on both sides for perhaps a 1/2? strip and Sika then applied with a continuous bead to both sides. (It may be that no gap is necessary in this case. I am unsure. For that matter, the forward section could simply be held in place by the fiberglass laminate.)
Considering that the windshield is fast at the roll bar and the forward section, the bulging sides need to be addressed. If the sides are to lay flush and be faired seamlessly without an obvious bulge, spacers cannot be used. How to apply the Sika? Do I prime the inside of the windshield sides and the fuselage and then simply inject Sika or smear it into the gap before clamping down? For that matter, if the roll bar and forward section is fast, can I eliminate the side bulge at all?
As you can tell, I am a little lost here and I need some direction from someone who has successfully accomplished this. It may be that I am making very incorrect assumptions and not attacking this properly at all.
Thanks for any help.
My plan is to attach the windshield with spacers to the roll bar and the forward deck with primer and Sika, then allow to cure before attempting to draw the sides in and gluing them.
The attachment of the windshield to the roll bar is identical to the process used on the canopy to its frame. The use of spacers and back filling with Sika is easy enough on the roll bar, but I am unsure of what is necessary for the forward section and eventually, the sides.
The Sika process seems to demand that there be a gap between the two primered surfaces for proper adhesion. I suppose that a small gap can be set for the forward section where the windshield attaches to the front deck. The forward section of the windshield will be primed on both sides for perhaps a 1/2? strip and Sika then applied with a continuous bead to both sides. (It may be that no gap is necessary in this case. I am unsure. For that matter, the forward section could simply be held in place by the fiberglass laminate.)
Considering that the windshield is fast at the roll bar and the forward section, the bulging sides need to be addressed. If the sides are to lay flush and be faired seamlessly without an obvious bulge, spacers cannot be used. How to apply the Sika? Do I prime the inside of the windshield sides and the fuselage and then simply inject Sika or smear it into the gap before clamping down? For that matter, if the roll bar and forward section is fast, can I eliminate the side bulge at all?
As you can tell, I am a little lost here and I need some direction from someone who has successfully accomplished this. It may be that I am making very incorrect assumptions and not attacking this properly at all.
Thanks for any help.