The last couple days has again been focused on getting the canopy latch system installed and 100% operational.

I worked installing the newly machined canopy latch handle center block in between the 2 angled top/bottom brackets by setting it in place, then carefully tracing out the screw holes in the top.

I then CAREFULLY drilled out those top screw holes…

tapped the holes with 10-32 threads . . .

and once in place with screws I repeated the process for the bottom screw mounting holes.

I also press fit the 5/16″ ID bronze oil sleeve bearing into place inside the cylindrical barrel of the new center block before mounting it into place (pic 1).  I then slid the old push-pull rod into place with the rod-end mounted on the end to get a general idea of how it would look and function (pic 2).

I made some measurements and quickly modeled up a new push-pull rod in CAD before 3D printing it and installing it into the handle.  Also note that I installed not only the old forward rod from the Mike Bowden design (why change things if no reason to), but also swapped out the new aluminum handle to the old 3D printed handle as I finalize the position [read: redrilling holes for repositioning during testing may be required].

Here we have the mockup components in place for configuration testing in the closed (pic 1) and open (pic 2) positions.

And unfortunate side issue that reared its ugly head —which is my fault for lack of planning— is the size and placement of the already rather diminutive switch housing for the GIB lights master switch, and a spare switch that I affectionately labeled “Flux Cap.” . . . this switch housing being too big and must be redesigned to make clearance for the canopy handle lever push-pull rod that runs down the sidewall next to the pilot seat to manipulate the canopy latch hooks.  The requirement here being to keep the push-pull rod UNDER the longeron as best possible.  Why?

Because the real issue isn’t the clearance between switch housing and rod.  But rather a secondary issue that if the rod is pushed inboard too much (and not that much) it then has no clearance with the canopy safety catch (SC-1)… that is specifically what I failed to take into account.

Thus, switch housing redesign and clearance testing will commence post haste.

Lastly, I’ll note that my installation of the new C4 bracket on the 3# (from front going aft) canopy latch hook (C2) was also not without some machinations, mainly constant removing/re-installing of both rods (forward and aft) to trim down the threaded inserts to allow for all aft 3 latch hooks (#2 thru #4) to be positioned to work in unison with each other (same profile).  This also required some expanding of the short #2 hook-to-#3 hook rod’s transit thru-holes in the pilot seatback housings (center right in pic below).

My current mission is to continue to press forward on the canopy latch system, which once in place and fully operational will then allow me to work the canopy skirt-to-fuselage/nose final fit/configuration and micro finishing.