Thorp Air Command - T18.net

I am looking for particular's on the rear canopy vent, what size, placement, framed or frameless, best mounting, operating hardware and locking (open / closed) method. I have some time this winter to install one and wanted some tips from those that have been there done that. Any drawings would be great!!!

Thanks Phil
118 BC

Tiger Tales issue #1 . Vent Control . Tom Worth .
Forum index...Interior/seats/upholstery for vent ideas . I believe there is a drawing for the "Standard" rear canopy vent in the past NL'S , but you need the Vulcan mind melt to get it out of my noodle !

RB
PAPPY

I aint your daddy fool !

I looked in the past news letters and was not able to find anything. I also checked the Tiger tails story (thanks) but am really looking for more info on what size the vent is, how much throw is needed to open and close and how to lock in position. I am probably over thinking what it takes, but only have one opportunity cutting the hole in the canopy correctly!!!

This is the best I can do . Went and took pics of John Kerr's AC, which is still for sale after 6 months of the FAA blowing smoke up my arse having to due with a reissue of a Special Airworthiness Certificate . A subject I will cover in depth at the Sedona Fly In . If anyone is interested in John's AC I am the point of contact . I'll publish stats on the AC later .

The canopy vent is 3" wide x 10 inches long . It is controlled by a push pull cable on the left side of the canopy . The open/close mechanism is a bell crank arrangement . Sorry no drawings or parts list , but from the pics you should be able to figure it out and hopefully not crack the canopy !

RB
POTUS Tempura

Thanks R B you are a wealth of knowledge.
Phil

I don't have one but I remember the big boys telling me it is the size of a dollar bill. Same size for the trim tab on the aileron. With inflation now it might be the size of a 5 dollar bill

That is close to the size RB came up with. The one in the Photo was in the aluminum rear part of the canopy, I have also seen them just in the Plexiglas. It may be better to have it incorporated into the aluminum for longevity of the Plexiglas???

Phil
118BC

I recommend starting smaller and work up .. 3 X 10 is way too big! The max size should be the size of a dollar bill .. I'd even say 80% of the size of a dollar bill is plenty.

Hair grows back .. plexi-glass does not!

_________________
Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

I am just the messenger . I have eyeball vents .

RB
BOOM , CHICKY BOOM !

I have eyeball vents, fly in Florida and have plenty of air. Save the canopy -- they are expensive.

_________________
Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

Thanks all, I have just finished installing a new rosewood panel and new leather interior I don't think I have the internal fortitude to pull it back out !!!
Phil

Here's another data point, just returned from the airport and have some photos of my canopy vent. Mine is smaller than a twenty ( 6 1/8 x 2 5/8 ), how did I come by a twenty you ask, I don't know I'm married I never have cash, it measures 6.0" x 1.5"

It's mounted at the bottom with a piano hinge and stainless 4-40 screws


Details from underneath


The rod is threaded on the end, tighten the knob to close the vent, loosen the knob and the spring pushes the rod to open the vent.


Knob from the front.

Yes the sun was shinning in Seattle today, wonder of wonders.

NOTE: with the shoulder straps pulled tight it is very difficult for me to reach back and turn the knob, I have to loosen them first, if there are lots of bumps I don't mess with it. With it wide open there is a blast of cool air on the back of your head and neck, feels real good on a hot day.

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

Bruce,
yours is closer to what I have seen, have you had a worries about the Plexiglas cracking at the screw holes from the torque of pressure of air flow when in flight? and does it leak water when washing the plane? It looks like you have a seal around the outer perimeter overlap.
Thanks Phil

A good friend, Marc Bourget saw your post about the canopy vent and since he cannot post on this site, asked me to pass this information along. I've not verified all those newsletters numbers, but below is what he came up with.

Guy on Thorplist asked for canopy vent details.

My subject index for the newsletters gives (without verification)

Vents 56.15B, 94.14, 125.13-14;

VENTS 56.15B, 73.18, 121.6-7
Aft Canopy 110.16

_________________
In CowTown USA,
Don D-Day
NX18DD