Thorp Air Command - T18.net

I just discovered a crack in the canopy on my T-18. This crack was previously stop drilled about 3/4 of an inch from one of the bolt holes in the front near the top of the slider (this hole was just inside the faring), but the crack has now progressed past the stop drilled hole several inches back into the canopy. I'm going to have to get a new canopy, so if someone has a canopy they would like to sell, I'd love to get in touch with you. Also, I know Mustang Aeronautics sells these, but I would also appreciate it if anyone in the forum could tell me of other sources/manufacturers of the T-18 canopoy. Thanks. Dennis

Dennis - have you done any research into acrylic resins anyone else - I haven't for a few years, but I can't help but think there is a way to repair it, and with a little thumb grease, make it look reasonable.

Anyone else?

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Fraser MacPhee
N926WM
Serial #279-1
Angel Fire, NM (KAXX)

Mustang Aeronautics does not make T-18 canopies, they may have them in their catalog but we all get them (those that use T-18 canopies at least) from the same place nowadays ...

Airplane Plastics
9785 Julie Court
Tipp City, OH 45371
(937) 669-2677

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

Thanks Lee. I'll probably be giving Airplane Plastics a call tomorrow.

No problem Dennis, I was just reminded about these guys too.

http://thorp18.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6083

I have no idea of their product, I can safely say that airplane plastics puts out a product thats near perfection. But who knows, maybe these guys do too.

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

meanwhile, try repairing the crack to keep you in the air untill you have the new canopy and all the supplies, plus some winter weather to justify taking your ship out of service.
http://www.plasticgenius.com/2009/03/re ... glass.html
Try searching for sites similar to the one above, and consider using SIKA to bond the new canopy in. This seems to reduce the likelyhood of cracking.

Anybody know how much a new canopy costs??

Thanks,
Bob

$1200 is the going rate now I think, $300 for the windshield. Hey Dave Read, does that sound right?

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

I assume we are talking Airplane Plastics for the glass ? I think mine was a bit more (1300/400) for the windscreen and canopy ? Shipping I think was around $300-400.00, semi truck drop ship to the driveway. That was a few light years back ! Better get it before they cut off the oil in the Strait ! Your mileage may vary.

RB

I picked up a couple canopies last November at their shop, they were $1100 each. These are made with the new added compound that blocks the UV rays. Should reduce material fading and they say it also greatly reduces the greenhouse effect inside. That was an extra $100 per canopy. A 1/4" windshield was $345. I think it was $50 extra for the UV block. There was no shipping since we picked them up and he knocked off another $200 because they didn't have to crate them up, plus we got to see them making s couple things. Nice folks. David

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David Read
Olney, Illinois
N718DR

Always helps to be within driving range of the factory. Much like me stopping by Spruce Corona on the way to the In-Laws !

RB