My canopy screws (the ones to the bow) are loose. I also have a friend at the airport who found his canopy screws loose.
You cannot use LockTight here because of the plexiglass. I’ve heard one builder used teflon tape to keep the screws from getting loose.
Any other ideas out there?
N67WX
We just look for obviously loose ones on preflight and tighten as required. It’s also an item on my annual inspection checklist.
Did you get your AWC?
I’ve heard a tiny dab of 5 min epoxy works. I haven’t tested it yet but plan on trying it with scrap pieces soon to make sure it doesn’t crack and you can still get it out.
I have the B model so this might not be applicable to the legacies. I just used longer screws with Nyloc nuts and they work great
That’s always the backup plan, for the classic A model too.
Two other possible ways: Vibra-Tite VC-3 is a non-cyanurate thread locker that you let DRY before installing. And back in the day when Loctite was new and expensive, poor motorcycle mechanics used yellow weatherstrip cement. Apply and dry on one surface, then put a fresh drop (only one) on the mating surface to allow assembly - the fresh adhesive lubricates the assembly. When that last drop dries, you’re golden (yellow, actually).
Abolutly correct…A model canopies work just fine with longer screws and nylok nuts. Two other things I learned, open the holes up a bit over size when fitting the screws, and, since my bird was scratch built, my canopy bow was just a very small diameter wise. I then was able to use rubber faucet washers as a cushon between plastic and frame. temp expansion differences between metal and plastic and screws that are in tight holes will crack the plastic, and if the screws are tight will do the same. I try to check all screws from time to time to be sure they will rotate easily in their respective holes and not bind up. Just my wild thoughts, but canopy has not shown any distress yet!
sorry…open the holes in the canopy plastic…
Quick update on my canopy screws.
I opened up each hole one drill bit size. I then used the Vibra-Tite VC-3 thread locker. Not a single screw has loosened since - seems like a good solution.