Thorp Air Command - T18.net

I'm looking for a instrument fibre glass coaming or mould, that sits on top of the instrument panel on the T18. Cessna typical style. any ideas?

Fiberglass melts and droops. Make it out of sheet metal.

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Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

I used either .010" or .016" aluminum roof flashing, it followed the contour of panel with out any forming required. I finished the edge with split plastic wire conduit and painted it flat black.

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Bruce Finney
N18JF T-18C #262
Yelm, WA USA

what they said.
you can also cover with 1/4 foam sheet and wrap with leather, etc.

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http://www.dixiefriedfabrication.com/

did you attach the flashing to the panel? if so, how did you attach it?

Mine is leather covered aluminum. It has several angles riveted toward the instrument panel. I just push it forward to the windscreen and push the angles over the back side of the panel. It sits there all day. Even up side down.
Cubes

Mine just sits on top of the panel and the sides are a friction fit with the side wall, plus I have a cutout for the compass, never had a problem of it moving.

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Bruce Finney
N18JF T-18C #262
Yelm, WA USA

After replacing 2 windscreens, I would recommend NOT covering with vinyl, naugahyde, etc. It off-gasses over time & crazes the acrylic -

Try fluting the forward edge of the glare shield and use it to secure the bottom of the windscreen behind the skin with a chaffing strip in-between. This takes care of two things at once. It should be a bit flexible as the instrument panel will bounce using vibration isolators. It was easy to add holes covered with screen as a sort of window 'defroster.' Cabin heat and that from inside the firewall will typically find its way upward. It also helps circulation for the radio and instruments.

Les

I think it might depend on what kind of vinyl you use, Doug. I've had black Naugahyde on my aluminum glare-shield for almost 27 years that looks the same as it always has, and the windshield is original & looks good too. I do apply some vinyl UV protectant every couple of years or so, and my airplane is hangared when it sleeps.

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John Evens
Arvada, Colorado
T-18 N71JE (sold)
Kitfox 7 SS N27JE