Canopy hinges

So, before I could drill the hinge holes, I had to prepare the C-714 splice plate, that connects the two ribs of the canopy weldment.
First I marked and drilled the pilot holes..

I noticed that the canopy skin was being pulled down to hard in the middle, so I wasn’t quite done with the adjustment.

It took a while, but I finally found a good compromise, so I could matchdrill the C-714 splice plate to the ribs.

    I also temporary riveted the hinge brackets to the forward ribs, to make sure they’re in the right position when drilling the hinge holes.

After fitting the forward canopy assembly back on, I finally drilled the hinge holes. I used a drill bushing, to protect the hinge block assemblies. According to plans, I only drilled enough to mark the exact position of the holes. After that I removed the Canopy assy, and drilled to 1/4″.
I need to enlarge to 3/8″ for a brass bushing, but I want to doublecheck that the holes are in the right spot before continuing. Sorry I didn’t take any pictures while drilling them, but here is a shot after they were drilled to 1/4″

Finally I put the assembly back on to recheck, It wasn’t bad at all, but the right hinge could come down a tiny bit.

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