Composite-ARF CARF-Models Spitfire Building Instructions page 7

Canopy Assembly and Installation
The canopy should only be installed
after all the work on the inside is
complete to avoid damaging it. Using
a Dremel tool, trim the excess
material from the canopy frame as
shown in the photo. Do not cut out
the window opening at this time.
Sand rough edges from the inside of
the canopy frame where it will contact
the fuse. An easy way to center the
frame to the fuse is to use a piece of
masking tape. Align the tape with the
bottom of the cockpit opening in the
fuse and mark down from the top
7/16"(10mm). Use this as a guide to
center the canopy in the rear. In the
front, measure the distance from the
outside edge to the center of the fuse.
Once the canopy frame is centered,
mark it at the center line of the fuse.
Remove the tape from the sides of the
fuse and reinstall the canopy frame.
Line up the marks to the center line
and move the frame fore and aft to
the best fit to the fuse. Once in place,
tape the canopy frame to the fuse in
the front and rear only. Using
masking tape, outline the position of
the frame on the fuse. This will help
with alignment later and help keep
glue from getting on the fuse when
installing the canopy.
After the canopy frame is fit to the
fuse, carefully cut out the window
openings. Take your time here as the
frame will be delicate until the canopy
is glued in. With the windows cut out,
sand the rest of the inside canopy
frame for better adhesion of the
canopy. For the best fit, the windows and the bubble canopy will be cut apart and
installed individually.
continued
Composite-ARF Spitfire 7