Finishing the Canopy Installation [Part 2] - RV-7A | EP4.30

[@RyanFlysPDX]

It should be noted: “Done” is a little misleading. I’ve still to do some filling and sanding. I think we’re about 90% there. Then a little primer. But that’ll come later-I needed a bit of a break.

[@williambrewer6346]

Funny thing is, I sometimes hang-out in my 7A cockpit and just hide from life, but screaming across the sky at 180kts! LoL Now that the hardest part of the build is completed I hope you can get some much needed rest. Always a pleasure to see you and your delicate,precision approach to the build. Happy Landings!😊

[@RyanFlysPDX]

@@williambrewer6346 hopefully soon my isolation in the cockpit will be accompanied by some noise!! Thanks for the terrific compliments!!

[@TheOkayestEngineer]

Awesome job Ryan! It’s amazing what we will put ourselves through to get something just the way you want it… those piles of dust resonated with me so much in the worst kind of way haha.

[@RyanFlysPDX]

Thank you. I fear you may wind up with a whole lot more dust than me!!

[@stevenwilkes5737]

Keep up the good work, don't worry about the editing, Those of us who are true believers and have built our own understand. Well, done!

[@RyanFlysPDX]

Thank you!! I do love being able to provide consistent updates. I think it makes following along a little more fun!!

[@RyanE67]

Canopy release was like the clouds parting and a beam of sunlight coming down onto the project.

[@RyanFlysPDX]

I really did not want to tear it all apart and try to salvage the expensive bits. When it broke loose I was elated. Then quickly ran to see if I had gouged the canopy with any of my separation techniques. Luckily, I never even broke the tape.

[@cbkillion]

Well that was a roller coaster of emotions...final reveal on peeling off the electrical tape was very satisfying!

[@RyanFlysPDX]

So something that didn’t quite make the Final Cut was peeling the masking tape. That performed completely opposite the electrical tape, with hours spent picking a 1/32” fringe of tape out of the perimeter of the fairing! That was another low on the roller coaster here…

[@RealDocAndPilot]

Much Kudos mate from Australia. I watched the first part of the video and felt really sad for you, with how much work you gave yourself to try to get a top cosmetic result (and I guess a few extra deci-knots of cruise). But then when the canopy release happened!!! And the sanding and reshaping happened!!! It looks amazing! You have the patience of a saint! And I really admire the brutal honesty and integrity of including the mistakes and reworks. So many youtubers would just chop. Have been binge-watching your RV7A vids the past few weeks right from the start, and I can't wait to see the next instalment. Keep going Ryan!!!

[@RyanFlysPDX]

I’ve always said: if I chop the mistakes there’s nothing left for the viewers. 😂😢 Thanks for the terrific comment! Makes my day!

[@dominiccarpenter5890]

Very nice work. That’s mentally and physically tough. We are glad to be your virtual therapist. I’m sure talking through it helps you stay sane! It incredible how far you’ve come. Congratulations!

[@RyanFlysPDX]

Thank you!! I’m very happy with the results. It’s strong, it’s smooth, and most importantly: it functions great.

[@trose0501]

This was one of the toughest parts of building an RV for me. You did great by getting it all done in a week. If it's any consolation, I also spent hours separating the canopy from the windscreen. Great job and great video! Keep at it!

[@RyanFlysPDX]

I think in total, I was on this for a couple weeks while also working in other areas. The videos can be a little misleading in that respect. Footage for this was taken between early December to New Year’s Day, just about. Also worth noting I was off work for two straight weeks in there. If you’re a weekend warrior like I typically am, this could easily stretch into a month or two. Just want to help people set realistic expectations! Thanks for the great compliment and comment here!

[@br4nd0nh347]

@@RyanFlysPDX Thanks for information, I'm trying to map out how long things can expect to take myself. I'm more of a night time/weekend warrior.

[@rogerp19]

I try to keep up with pop culture but today learned a new spelling and definition of “thicc” which supposedly means attractive. Anyway, thanks for showing us the good, bad and ugly in your videos. I love the black and white freeze frames with commentary. I think “how did he f up this time?” I did the big cut last summer and left the canopy in my bedroom since. I kinda said to myself “I’ll wait until Ryan is done before I continue.” My Lycoming M1B is due next month also. Can’t wait to meet up at an EAA 105 meeting with finished RV-7A Sliders!

[@RyanFlysPDX]

Love it!! Glad I could also provide some social enlightenment. I ironically use thicc around the house quite a bit. Sort of like a junk-in-the-trunk type of replacement. I believe it proves to all within earshot that I’m still hip. Glad I can continue to provide 7 builders lessons on what not to do!! 😂

[@BlueSkiesAhead]

Wow, an exhausting process filled with highs and lows. Definitely not looking forward to that portion of the build! Great work as always Ryan!

[@RyanFlysPDX]

Thank you! Yes, the build days on this step were very up and down. A few sleepless nights for sure.

[@ayrwynharrison898]

Great work. Thanks for continuing to share your project with us. Cheers

[@RyanFlysPDX]

Thanks, glad you’re enjoying the journey!

[@randy-johnkostapapas9944]

Aahhhhh man.. you should make thriller movies... the anxiety from your windscreen and canopy sticking together... lol. Man.. ibwas on the edge of my seat... On another note... you may want to put a towel on your dash draped over your instruments... you don't want that dust all on and in your glass instruments. Another great ans entertainment video for sure... thank you.

[@randy-johnkostapapas9944]

Just after I said that comment... you put plastic down. Lol.

[@RyanFlysPDX]

I was just going to say, I was pretty quick with the plastic. The interior managed to stay pretty dust free through all this.

[@hojbota-ptv]

I'm building a machine too, mine doesn't take off, i hope but haven't even got to the body and it's a crazy amount of work. often there is the satisfaction to see things come together but sometimes man it's hard. wish you a good time with good results

[@RyanFlysPDX]

That’s quite the machine you’re working on!

[@hojbota-ptv]

@RyanFlysPDX thanks 🙏

[@craigsanders6925]

I like to use epoxy and micro balloons for filler. lightweight, easy to apply and sands well.

[@RyanFlysPDX]

I have two West Systems products for filling. The browner one is more structural, which is why it was used on the fillet. The other one is a bit easier to sand. However, you can’t beat the cure time on Bondo for a quick fix of something small…

[@br4nd0nh347]

Do the micro ballon finish well?

[@RyanFlysPDX]

@br4nd0nh347 you have to get the ratio right. It can get too light on you, which sands well but lacks the density you want. And then on the other side, if too wet it’ll run. If you get a good consistency it seems to finish pretty well, without a lot of artifacts coming through after a good coat of primer.

[@jeff11030]

Lots of sanding dust. That means “progress”. Pure epoxy adds weight and no strength. Back in the day I used micro balloons for pinholes and a product called Feather Fill. I remember it being super expensive but easy to use with good results. You have the patience of a saint.

[@RyanFlysPDX]

There is one area that I think I might want a little additional strength. I’ve been thinking about grafting on one more layer of cloth. Otherwise, I’m just looking to fill voids, low spots, and pinholes. I wouldn’t mind spending money if it means reducing some of the sanding effort and maintaining a good finish. That said, it’s so close I may just stay the course. It’s been working pretty well.

[@bibrakc]

Were all these intricacies and details provided in the plans by Vans or you had to source the knowledge and skills from places? Where did you learn?

[@RyanFlysPDX]

There’s a little bit of a write-up in the instructions. I’d be a lot less confident if I hadn’t read numerous blogs beforehand. Then, a lot of this is wading in deep enough to the point where you have to just swim.

[@FlyingSenior]

I hear that 3M is in the final stages of testing its new cordless automatic sandpaper. Only takes a one hour charge time, and "slight" elbow grease to operate!

[@RyanFlysPDX]

I prefer my sanding to be tiresome and grueling. That’s all I’ve ever known!