Making doors for A PA-12
- Thread starter algonquin
- Start date
mike mcs repair
Registered User
chugiak AK
I’ve done plexiglass. You only pull rivets partially tight then cut off stems. You’d probably cause cracking down the line later if pulled tight (don’t ask how many have cracked days or weeks after install)
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jimboflying
MEMBER
Some people use CherryMax rivets for fiberglass because you can choose the final length so you don’t over compress the material.
Charlie Longley
MEMBER
Anchorage, AK
I used AN525 washer head #8 screws with rivnuts. Single piece of Lexan bent in a brake. Used some foam padding between the frame and Lexan and where the Lexan overlaps the fuselage. Also a strip of aluminum at the front edge. If I did it again I would probably do aluminum trim all the way around the perimeter painted to match the fuselage.
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rod schrage
SPONSOR
steamboat springs , colorado
is they're a reason not to use silicon and screws to attach the lexon to the frame ?
That all sounds too complicated for me! I used a piece of Polycarbonate .093 that cost $30. and a bunch of black aluminum pip rivets from Home Depot. I cut the glass oversized and added some stick-on weather striping (Home Depot) around the frame. Works beautifully! I did use a plexiglass drill bit (aircraft spruce) to drill the holes in the glass.Attachments
skywagon8a
MEMBER
SE Mass MA6
Masking tape and a razor blade when dry.
RVBottomly
PATRON
Asotin County Washington (KLWS)
It looks hinged on the front? I've pondering doing that instead of on top. Still not sure which I want. How do you like it?
algonquin
MEMBER
Seldovia,Ak
Many years ago I built a CompAir 7, but never finished it. My wife and I decided there were too many problems with them, IE. The doors were tearing off. Granted the airplane was much faster and a lot of people were putting the Walter 600hp turbine on them. No the less I have received some great information from you guys that weren’t part of the last build 20 years ago. Thanks again for your help,Tom
RaisedByWolves
FRIEND
Tx
What ever you do. Do not use lock tite to try and keep the screws lose. The lock tite will crack the glass. And continue to crack even when you walk away.
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TurboBeaver
Registered User
Northern Maine
Lots of good advice on how to attach the glass here, so just an after thought...... One of the nicest options you can do to the Seaplane door while your building it (IMHO)
Is to simply make the top half open out the same as a Cub. Very cool option ?
Like this.View attachment 48206
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Is to simply make the top half open out the same as a Cub. Very cool option ?
Like this.View attachment 48206
Sent from my moto e5 go using SuperCub.Org mobile app
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RVBottomly
PATRON
Asotin County Washington (KLWS)
Yes, I like that option.
Charlie Longley
MEMBER
Anchorage, AK
That’s a stock door hinged from the front. All I did is take it down to the bare frame and attach Lexan.
mike mcs repair
Registered User
chugiak AK
I learned this the expensive way. Thanks for confirmation of why... seemed like a great idea at the time .....
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akavidflyer
FRIEND
Soldotna AK
I learned this on my Avid as well. Lexan and lock tite even the tiniest drop, do not play well together and will crack out almost instantly. Plexi is much more forgiving. The hard coated lexan is supposed to be a bit friendlier with petroleum products.
