Rear Window Installation

[gregc]

I struggled getting the interior fabric to lay well around the window and I wanted to avoid a lot of shrinking since the window channel/standoffs can move. Here is an approach that worked for me.

- cut fabric to rough size and hang it on the outside of the fuselage using some clamps
- outline the window channel opening with a pencil
- remove the fabric and add another pencil line about ¾” inside the line (the depth of the channel) and cut out the window opening on that line
- put the fabric back on the inside this time and clamp the fabric to the frame.

You now have the fabric perfectly oriented to the window and you can adjust the edges during the fitting/gluing process. This is a lot easier than trying to fit the opening after the edges are attached.

IMG_2783.jpgIMG_2786.jpg

[ScottS]

On the rear window frames are you also using a finishing tape on the sharp edge or does the extra tape layer add to much bulk for fitting the window. How have others done this.

Thanks,
Scott
Patrol plan #412

[Bcone1381]

Here is one data point from a builder whose channel is 2017 vintage. I have just one layer of fabric penetrating into my window channel. My channel would not have handled the extra bulk of a finish tape.

[Paul Johnston]

I used pieces of cardboard to stuff/ displace , window channel when installing the glue-covered fabric into the slot. Fabric glue sets fast and you can pull out the cardboard almost right away.Then do another section ,and work your way around. The radius part is relief cut / of course

[Bcone1381]

I used Stewarts glue....I addition to Paul's excellent advice....once that glue sets up then heating it will improve the bond. So I heated a putty knife to apply heat directly to the fabric inside the window channel.

[Gerhard Rieger]

My fabric is not glued to the left rear window, I made the window section removable without any chance of damaging the ceconite. Also easier to fit windows

[svyolo]

I covered with Oratex, and questioned my ability to make the stock window frames work without ruining a very large ($$$$) piece of Oratex. I just made a frame out of aircraft angle, and sandwiched the plexi into it with thin (.020) angle that I bent on a brake. Held in place with Al pull rivets.