View Full Version : Building F-16 Canopy Lids - (w/pics)
Before I started this project I looked to see if anyone online had
any information or help. But no luck, lots of people asking but
very little info.
I would like to thank Ryan B, Sparky from Vicious,
Glassdave and even DareDevil for there help along
the way.
This is what I started with, a open F16 canopy. After a couple
close calls I thought it would be best to get a lid over my
head for extra safety.
http://i39.tinypic.com/rvegeu.jpg
I Than heated and shaped a very thin plastic sheet over the
opening and attached 4 screws in each corner to hold it in place.
After a few sheets of cloth it started to take shape.
http://i44.tinypic.com/j9q5qx.jpg
http://i43.tinypic.com/124knye.jpg
After the glass hardened I removed them from the boat and
just kept wrapping the part with layers and layers of cloth
until it started looking like a part.
http://i42.tinypic.com/2n82zjc.jpg
--
This part sucked; I was not to thrilled to attack my canopy
with a router. I made a part that bolted onto the bottom of
the router that kept it from cutting in more than 1 inch. Than
I set the cut depth at 1/2 the thickness of the lid.
http://i44.tinypic.com/5e7as7.jpg
http://i41.tinypic.com/2568gp4.jpg
The lids were than cut to fit. I just screwed the lids into place with me
inside the boat and with a Sharpe I just outlined the hole. Once that
was done I took 1 inch masking tape and fallowed the outline. This gave
me a perfect line to cut and with a little finish sanding she dropped
right into place.
http://i42.tinypic.com/111o45i.jpg
http://i44.tinypic.com/3522n0l.jpg
phragle
05-11-2009, 12:46 PM
Rick...you don't need a lid... put this on your helmet and your golden, good to go....
http://savetherobot.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/535full.jpg
Both lids fell right into place. :sifone:
http://i39.tinypic.com/2mzi495.jpg
The front of the canopy had some air lip to help divert air
from the throttle mans face (I dont think it worked great)
You can see were it was sanded off and body worked.
http://i44.tinypic.com/2ed5lir.jpg
The area was than prepped for paint.
http://i44.tinypic.com/23lb5ef.jpg
The hardware was bolted up and trim was installed.
http://i39.tinypic.com/hwgutf.jpg
Rick...you don't need a lid... put this on your helmet and your golden, good to go....
http://savetherobot.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/535full.jpg
That's Deans 'Official Wahoo" head gear, not mine. :biggrinjester:
http://i43.tinypic.com/33xeurp.jpg
http://i41.tinypic.com/fz5hmf.jpg
http://i43.tinypic.com/1fbig8.jpg
Scott than used some type of Military F16 Canopy cleaning
compound to remove the surface scratches and scuffs.
http://i43.tinypic.com/206ly5t.jpg
Ratickle
05-11-2009, 12:52 PM
Looks nice Rick.
What kind of glass and how thick did you go?
Also, inside locking/closing mechanism. What did you decide in case of blowover for rescue entry?
The lid was made from a "matte" cloth witch I was told is one of the strongest
and a 'Multi weave" cloth. Its a little over a 1/2 thick. I was going to make it
thicker but was told from a few boat builders that the given span that any
thing more would be a waste. I dont know if thats 100% true but I can
stand on the lids and "bounce" with very little flex (I'm 4ft 26" & 230lbs)
The latch was / is a custom made billet part from my Buddy's shop. It's similar to
the Doug Wrights only with a longer locking pin and stiffer springs so it dont
bounce open in rough water. I'm not sure how they will work on the F16 radius
but if I cant get them to work I'll go with the old F16 Skater style latch.
Offshore Ginger
05-11-2009, 01:24 PM
Rick i do not understand why you had to build new lids because when i was employed at Skater , we always used the cut out's of the canopy for the entrance way for the lids and did you consider a mini roll bar like Skater uses for the driver and throttle man ? Rick i would also recomend using the Skater latch because it work;s very well .
Rick i do not understand why you had to build new lids because when i was employed at Skater , we always used the cut out's of the canopy for the entrance way for the lids and did you consider a mini roll bar like Skater uses for the driver and throttle man ?
The ones that were original cut out are MIA so I had to make something. The ones I got with the boat were not cut from this canopy. I tried making the work but they were just "not right" and it was easier to make them (or so I thought).
I did look into a roll bar system to give extra support, and still might.
MattBMiller
05-11-2009, 01:32 PM
Looks great Rick!
Ratickle
05-11-2009, 01:34 PM
The ones that were original cut out are MIA so I had to make something. The ones I got with the boat were not cut from this canopy. I tried making the work but they were just "not right" and it was easier to make them (or so I thought).
I did look into a roll bar system to give extra support, and still might.
Heck, you should make Artie build you one for a ride or something....:sifone:
Offshore Ginger
05-11-2009, 01:36 PM
The ones that were original cut out are MIA so I had to make something. The ones I got with the boat were not cut from this canopy. I tried making the work but they were just "not right" and it was easier to make them (or so I thought).
I did look into a roll bar system to give extra support, and still might. Rick all in all l@@ks great.:)
drpete3
05-11-2009, 02:20 PM
How hot is this going to be?
How hot is this going to be?
:ack2:
I have a couple fans to help move the air, but it will be warm I'm sure.
drpete3
05-11-2009, 02:41 PM
:ack2:
I have a couple fans to help move the air, but it will be warm I'm sure.
Well you did a great job. Very nice workmanship.
Ratickle
05-11-2009, 02:42 PM
:ack2:
I have a couple fans to help move the air, but it will be warm I'm sure.
Just don't turn it over on purpose to cool off......:sifone:
Just don't turn it over on purpose to cool off......:sifone:
Or open up a sponson to cool your feet off like Stan and Jay did in Ocean City :26:
Bobcat
05-11-2009, 03:06 PM
looks good, nice craftmanship how tall is 4' 26":leaving:
looks good, nice craftmanship how tall is 4' 26":leaving:
4ft 26 = 6'2 :sifone:
Bobcat
05-11-2009, 03:46 PM
4ft 26 = 6'2 :sifone:
:sifone: seriously nice job on the hatches, how fast is that boat ?
YoungPerformance
05-12-2009, 03:03 AM
Very nice work.
Eddie
Steve 1
05-12-2009, 02:26 PM
Rick i do not understand why you had to build new lids because when i was employed at Skater , we always used the cut out's of the canopy for the entrance way for the lids and did you consider a mini roll bar like Skater uses for the driver and throttle man ? Rick i would also recomend using the Skater latch because it work;s very well .
I would defiantly use a metal roll bar system under it, once that thing is cut it has no strength left and heaven and forbid you test it.
I would defiantly use a metal roll bar system under it, once that thing is cut it has no strength left and heaven and forbid you test it.
It was tested before I owned it when she was running triple 2.5/280's at WOT. Both driver and throttleman were ok from what I was told and the boat was flipped and dried out for another day.
But I like the idea of a roll bar more and more just in case.
OffshoreRescue
05-13-2009, 07:46 AM
Do me a favor though. The more trim around the latch the better (and the hinges if they have the removable pins). Even a big "RESCUE" with an arrow would be nice. Not that I ever want to have to see it up close, but just in case.
Nice job man
Sean Stinson
05-13-2009, 07:55 AM
Beautiful job now dont skimp on the latches and put a roll bar in it!!!!
Do me a favor though. The more trim around the latch the better (and the hinges if they have the removable pins). Even a big "RESCUE" with an arrow would be nice. Not that I ever want to have to see it up close, but just in case.
Nice job man
Ok, I have the extra large stainless hinges with removable pins for the "just in case moment" so I'm OK there.
Edge: The lip is 1.1/8 around. Once again before starting I spoke with a few people who worked at Skater, Ocean Express and one F16 Mechanic that lives near the shop. They all felt with the speed of the boat and span of the hole 1 inch lip would be more than enough. All though I did have to cut the lip near the area the hinge bolted to the lid or it would not close properly.
Sticker: The Rescue sticker with a large orange arrow will be cut soon (courtesy of Glassdave)
Latch system: I took a couple pictures of the systems on the Wahoo fountain and a Doug Wright and know for a fact the one the machine shop made from billet is stronger and wont "pop" open like I have seen others do in big water races.
I feel comfortable with this over my head at 85mph or even 95mph, but not at 115 or above but the boat wont go that fast anyways.
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