N114KB Project Updates

Finish, canopy framing underway

Aft canopy frame riveted to the canopy assembly.

Switch brackets riveted to aft canopy frame.

Canopy assembly mounted to the fuselage for the first time. Looks good!!

Canopy assembly mounted to the fuselage for the first time. Looks good!!

Canopy assembly mounted to the fuselage for the first time. Looks good!!

Canopy assembly mounted to the fuselage for the first time. Looks good!!

Canopy assembly in closed position for the first time.

Canopy assembly in closed position for the first time.

Canopy plexiglass moved into the garage to come up to ambient temp overnight.

Canopy assembly masked for interior painting.

Canopy assembly masked for interior painting.

Finish, canopy assembly

Canopy assembly close out clecoed for riveting.

Canopy assembly close out clecoed for riveting.

Canopy assembly close out riveting in progress. Stopping to check for twist every four rivets was a PITA, but better that than the alternative…

Canopy assembly close out riveting in progress.

Canopy assembly close out riveting complete.

Canopy rails clecoed for riveting.

Canopy rail riveting complete.

Aft canopy frame clecoed for riveting. Those three little AN426AD3 rivets on the lower outboard flanges of the frame were a BEAR to line up. I eventually got clecos into two holes per side and will just drill the third to fit.

Finish, canopy progress

Canopy frame components disassembled for the last time. Deburring, dimpling, countersinking, etc. The aluminum airplane builder’s eternal trifecta.

Canopy skin clecoed on for riveting.

Canopy skin clecoed on for riveting.

Canopy skin clecoed on for riveting.

Canopy skin riveting underway.

Canopy skin riveting underway.

Canopy skin riveting underway.

Finish, canopy continued…

Canopy rail assemblies drilled and clecoed to the canopy frame.

Canopy handle assembly riveting in progress.

Canopy handle drilled and clecoed to the aft canopy frame.

Canopy handle drilled and clecoed to the aft canopy frame.

Canopy handle riveted to the aft canopy frame.

Canopy handle riveted to the aft canopy frame.