Matronics Email Lists :: View topic

Matronics Email Lists
Web Forum Interface to the Matronics Email Lists

Get Email Distribution Too! FAQ Search Memberlist Usergroups Register

Profile Log in to check your private messages Log in

windshield

Matronics Email Lists Forum Index -> Kitfox-List

View previous topic :: View next topic

Author Message

cliffh(at)outdrs.net
Guest

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 5:42 am Post subject: windshield

The windshield on my Speedster has developed a long  crack and will have to be replaced.

 Some time back there was a discussion on the list  about replacing windshields but I am not smart enough on computers to be able to  find it in the archives.

 If I remember correctly someone wrote that there  was a company that made permolded windshields for the kitfox.

 I would appreciate it if someone would send me the  infromation on this company and their experience with this premolded  windshield.

 Thanks

  

 Floran Higgins

 Helena, Mt.

 Speedster

 912ULS

  

  

   [quote][b]

john(at)leptron.com
Guest

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 6:03 am Post subject: windshield

Floran,  

   

LP Aero Plastics, inc  

Rd # 1 Box 201-b  

Jeannette, PA 15644  

Phone 412 744-4448  

Fax 412 744-7372  

   

John Oakley  

         

  

From: owner-kitfox-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of floran higgins

 Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2007 7:41 AM

 To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: windshield  

  

     

The windshield on my Speedster has developed a long crack and will have to be replaced.  

    

Some time back there was a discussion on the list about replacing windshields but I am not smart enough on computers to be able to find it in the archives.  

    

If I remember correctly someone wrote that there was a company that made permolded windshields for the kitfox.  

    

I would appreciate it if someone would send me the infromation on this company and their experience with this premolded windshield.  

    

Thanks  

    

   

    

Floran Higgins  

    

Helena, Mt.  

    

Speedster  

    

912ULS  

    

   

    

   

   	  Quote: 	
		    http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List 	
0 	  Quote: 	
		   	
1 	  Quote: 	
		   	
2 	  Quote: 	
		   	
3 	  Quote: 	
		   	
4

        [quote][b]

runwayrex(at)juno.com
Guest

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 6:34 am Post subject: windshield

Floran, 

  Make sure to consider the alternative too. You can usually purchase a flat sheet of polycarbonate (Lexan) locally. It's not very expensive at all. Lay it down and put your old windshield right on top of it. Trace around the outside and the mounting holes and cut it out. I've used saber saws and /or a band saw. Drill out the mounting holes and deburr. Be sure to make them slightly larger to allow for expansion and contraction. Use a file and /or sandpaper along the outside edge and you're ready to peel off the protective paper and install. Do the skylight section first and work your way forward. Voila, you're new windshield is ready to kill more bugs.  

  Premolded windshields in my opinion are about the same amount of work, are heavier, and must be shipped in a large box. I've changed my lexan windshield twice over the years and found it to be quick and simple. Be sure to get opinions and experiences of other guys on the list too and then make your decision from there. 

Rex in Michigan

Model 3

912 UL

Warp Drive 



-- "floran higgins" <cliffh(at)outdrs.net> wrote:

 The windshield on my Speedster has developed a long crack and will have to be replaced.

 Some time back there was a discussion on the list about replacing windshields but I am not smart enough on computers to be able to find it in the archives.

 If I remember correctly someone wrote that there was a company that made permolded windshields for the kitfox.

 I would appreciate it if someone would send me the infromation on this company and their experience with this premolded windshield.

 Thanks

  

 Floran Higgins

 Helena, Mt.

 Speedster

 912ULS

  

  

[quote]



====================================

">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List

====================================

tronics.com

====================================



[b]

Giovanni Day

Joined: 05 Jul 2007
Posts: 43

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 7:59 am Post subject: Re: windshield

I am in the same boat. I was going to get the premolded one but have decided against it due to the $500 bill for the molded one. In my town a lexan sheet 3/32 will cost me $50.

_________________
_______________________________________
Giovanni Day
Model 4 speedster 912

kitfoxmike

Joined: 05 Dec 2006
Posts: 373

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 9:36 am Post subject: Re: windshield

Don't go over .090 thick.  precut as specified in previous post.  start from the back and when you get to the bend, heat with a heat gun and let it droop over the edge, then continue.  I would say test with a scrap piece on the heating to get the process and amount of heat first.  When done, go over the heavy bends with the heat gun again to releive stress areas.

Clem Nichols

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 88
Location: Munfordville, Ky

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 9:39 am Post subject: windshield

Rex:

  

 How much of a problem is it to flatten out the old  windshield after it's been in position for 10 years or more?  Mine has a  moderate amount of crazing, and I would like to replace it, but would hate to  get in over my head and wind up with no windshield at all.  Incidentally, I  recently came across Skystar Service Bulletin #34 dated May 1, 1994 in which  they recommended the use of .090" thick polycarbonate instead of the .118" they  originally supplied to make the windshield.  Their position was that the  .118" material was more prone to cracking/crazing during installation and that  the .090" caused no decrement in performance or safety.

  

 Clem Nichols

 Model IV 1200

 NSI Subaru EA81

 Munfordville, Ky.

 [quote]   ---

runwayrex(at)juno.com
Guest

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 10:06 am Post subject: windshield

Clem, 

No problem at all. Mine had almost no memory of being couped up on the plane. I simply layed it on top and traced. It's lighter, way less expensive and quite simple to do. As a matter of fact, last time I bought a sheet of the .090 Lexan, I made two windshields. Down the road when this one, needs replacement, I'll be ready to go. Of course, always use the original cracked windshield as your pattern for the rest, so don't discard it. I understand some people do some heating of the windshield to make the bends. Just for the record, I did not use additional heat. I did it in a warm hangar, but that's all. It's working fine. Some have used heat and used too much. That's a problem too. 

Rex in Michigan

Model 3

912 UL

Warpdrive



-- "Clem Nichols" <cnichols(at)scrtc.com> wrote:

 Rex:

  

 How much of a problem is it to flatten out the old windshield after it's been in position for 10 years or more?  Mine has a moderate amount of crazing, and I would like to replace it, but would hate to get in over my head and wind up with no windshield at all.  Incidentally, I recently came across Skystar Service Bulletin #34 dated May 1, 1994 in which they recommended the use of .090" thick polycarbonate instead of the .118" they originally supplied to make the windshield.  Their position was that the .118" material was more prone to cracking/crazing during installation and that the .090" caused no decrement in performance or safety.

  

 Clem Nichols

 Model IV 1200

 NSI Subaru EA81

 Munfordville, Ky.

 [quote] ---

thesupe(at)hotmail.com
Guest

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 10:36 am Post subject: windshield

I also changed my windshield on my Avid.  Took the old one off and used it 

for a pattern and it really was quite simple.  If you don't have the old 

one, I'm sure it would be harder, mainly because you're not sure you're 

doing it right.  Jim Chuk  Avid MK IV  Chisholm MN

 	  Quote: 	
		  From: "Giovanni Day" <thedays(at)mchsi.com>

Reply-To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

Subject: Re: windshield

Date: Thu,  5 Jul 2007 08:59:33 -0700






I am in the same boat. I was going to get the premolded one but have 

decided against it due to the $500 bill for the molded one. In my town a 

lexan sheet 3/32 will cost me $50.



--------

_______________________________________

Giovanni Day

Model 4 speedster 912





Read this topic online here:



http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=122373#122373






	


_________________________________________________________________

Don't get caught with egg on your face. Play Chicktionary!  

http://club.live.com/chicktionary.aspx?icid=chick_hotmailtextlink2

Clem Nichols

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 88
Location: Munfordville, Ky

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 10:51 am Post subject: windshield

Rex:

  

 Sounds easy enough.  Thanks for your response  and the reassurance.

  

 Clem Nichols

 [quote]   ---

Giovanni Day

Joined: 05 Jul 2007
Posts: 43

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 1:49 pm Post subject: Re: windshield

Clem,



Fly over to Murray some time and I will help you out. I made two for the Kolb and also a set of doors for the Kolb. I have developed a system that should make it a half day job. The biggest pain will be drilling out all the rivets for the old one and I have a tool for that.

_________________
_______________________________________
Giovanni Day
Model 4 speedster 912

jdmcbean(at)kitfoxaircraf
Guest

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 2:43 pm Post subject: windshield

Floran,  

            We offer the pre-formed windshields for the Kitfox…   And we appreciate the support !!      

<![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]>  

 AUTOTEXTLIST \s "E-mail  Signature" <![endif]-->Fly Safe !!  

John & Debra McBean  

208.337.5111  

www.kitfoxaircraft.com    

"It's not how Fast... It's how Fun!"  

<![endif]--><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]>  

-----Original Message-----

 From: owner-kitfox-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server(at)matronics.com]On Behalf Of floran higgins

 Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2007 7:41 AM

 To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: windshield  

<![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]>  

The windshield on my Speedster has developed a long crack and will have to be replaced.  

Some time back there was a discussion on the list about replacing windshields but I am not smart enough on computers to be able to find it in the archives.  

If I remember correctly someone wrote that there was a company that made permolded windshields for the kitfox.  

I would appreciate it if someone would send me the infromation on this company and their experience with this premolded windshield.  

Thanks  

   

Floran Higgins  

Helena, Mt.  

Speedster  

912ULS  

   

   [quote]<![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]><![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]>          - The Kitfox-List Email Forum -   --> http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List              - NEW MATRONICS WEB FORUMS -   --> http://forums.matronics.com<![if !supportEmptyParas]> <![endif]>[b]

cliffh(at)outdrs.net
Guest

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 6:09 pm Post subject: windshield

I ordered one from your wife this P.M.

  

 Floran H.

 [quote]   ---

Giovanni Day

Joined: 05 Jul 2007
Posts: 43

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2007 6:24 pm Post subject: Re: windshield

Floran,



Let us know how you like it. I looked very hard at the preformed one, but I am looking to get the preformed lexan doors and need to save the cash.

_________________
_______________________________________
Giovanni Day
Model 4 speedster 912

cliffh(at)outdrs.net
Guest

Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 6:10 am Post subject: windshield

When I ordered the preformed windshield from Kitfox  I was told that It would take two weeks to get delivery.

 Rather than being AOG I decided to repair the crack  as per AC 43.13-1B.

 As I was finishing lacing the crack I heard a loud  pop and discovered the other side of the windshield had cracked exactly as  the first side, so I wound up lacing the other side as well.

 Apparently when you make these windshields out of  flat sheet it causes a lot of stress at the compound curve at the wing  root.

 This is the second windshield that I have had to  replace due to this problem. This second one is only about three years old and  had almost no crazing prior to cracking.

 I hope this new preformed one doesn't have the same  stresses.

  

 Floran Higgins

 Helena, Mt.

 Speedster

 912ULS

  

   [quote][b]

Guy Buchanan

Joined: 16 Jul 2006
Posts: 1204
Location: Ramona, CA

Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 11:41 am Post subject: windshield

At 07:07 AM 7/7/2007, you wrote:

  	  Quote: 	
		  This is the second windshield that I have had to replace due to this problem. This second one is only about three years old and had almost no crazing prior to cracking.

 I hope this new preformed one doesn't have the same stresses. 	


 When my plane was built, the owner used .110" ? and heat formed it into place. He did this by installing the windshield over the skylight, then bagging the entire windshield and structure with "space blankets". He then installed a section of dryer hose and blew hot air into the dryer hose. I think he got the whole thing up to about 180F and was able to draw the forward sections into shape using gentle pressure. I'd check on the forming temperature, or else just keep heating until  the windscreen gets satisfactorily soft. You have to be careful to keep the upper forward corners round and not kink the windscreen over the forward carry-through tube. You do this by "lifting" the forward edge while bending it into place.



 

 Guy Buchanan

 San Diego, CA

 K-IV 1200 / 582-C / Warp / 100% done, thanks mostly to Bob Ducar.     [quote][b]

_________________
Guy Buchanan
Deceased K-IV 1200
A glider pilot too.

Display posts from previous:

	Matronics Email Lists Forum Index -> Kitfox-List	All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Page 1 of 1

Jump to:

You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum