Help making a glassfibre canopy

[chris-s]

I'm trying to make a replacement canopy for my 80" cap, the original got lost and a replacement is not available from the manufacturer.

I've made a plug from some foam with the intention of glassing over it then remove the foam leaving a free standing glass shell that I can finish and paint. I've glassed models in the past with epoxy and cloth so have some experience of working with the materials.

My first attempt didn't go to plan! I used two layers of 47gram cloth with West Systems epoxy (105/205) which resulted in something far too flexible, no rigidity to it at all.

I'm not sure whether I should use a heavier cloth or a different resin. I seem to remember that when I've used the 'car glass fibre' kits which use polyester resin and csm, you get a tough rigid result, is this down to the resin or csm?

Any suggestions on cloth, layup or resins?

Chris

[MODE 1]

CSM is multi directional so will have more rigidity on curved shapes but it does take more resin unless you split it. Epoxy and poly resins will give similar results the difference being one is more resistant to certain chemicals than the other. Strength isn't in the resin its in the cloth. More resin equals more weight. If you use a heavier cloth either csm or RW you get a similar weight penalty. I make cowls which are as large as a canopy from 200g /sqM RW a single layer is plenty to give strength with a thin layer of gel coat.

What brand is the CAP ? you could order one from H9 and trim to suit yours instead. It would be lighter than a glass canopy.

[chris-s]

Thanks for the reply. It's a Blackhorse Cap, and we've tried some canopy's from other models but can't get anything close to it. Weight isn't paramount, it's just a hack and I can't 3D for the life of me!

I posted on another forum too, and the suggestion there was that I need to use a heavier cloth. I've got some 170gm2 cloth and some csm, so think I might try that with a bottom layer of csm?

Cheers!

Chris

[MODE 1]

Nope I would use the 170 RW if it was my project. You have to remember that splitting the csm makes it less dense so theres more space between fibers. You'll end uo doing it in 2 layers were as with the 170 RW you need only one......Go onnnnnnn prove me right

[MODE 1]

Found this in case you want to change your mind
http://www.ripmax.com/item.asp?Brand...e&Category=010

A-BH019

Its Uk but they prolly will ship

[chris-s]

	Quote: Originally Posted by MODE 1
	Found this in case you want to change your mind http://www.ripmax.com/item.asp?Brand...e&Category=010 A-BH019 Its Uk but they prolly will ship

I'm in the UK anyhow. The problem with the replacement canopy is that the current version of this model has a completely different canopy setup and in their wisdom the new and old ones have the same part number which has resulted in me getting three 'new' versions despite explaining the situation. Just seems the old one is no longer available.

Gonna take your advice and skip the csm and see how I get on over the weekend provding it's not flying weather!

Chris

[MODE 1]

Ok ..... Theres another place called Glens Models ....I've dealt with him in the past when I wanted some stuff shipped to the US he makes canopies for his CAPs and they are very light and thin so they bend to most any shape you like .
Link here
http://www.glensmodels.com/2005.htm

[chris-s]

Funnily enough someone gave me one of his 68" cap canopies at the weekend to try, too small think it must be from the 68" version. However, after checking Glens website I see he does a 30% cap, in which case that might well fit, didn't realise he did one that size. Better get on the phone in the morning.

Cheers

Chris

[MODE 1]

Make sure you push him......he can be slow and ask him to CONFIRM he has the parts. I had a few times when i was waiting for something after he said he had it only to call and find out he didnt. He's ok just kick him into gear.