National Aeronca Association Bulletin Board

Need help trying to find info regarding installing the "greenhouse"
type glass on a 7ac, this mod was done on our champ about 2000
however the Plexiglas is pulling loose on left rear. I have drawings
#7499 and 7576 but aren't very clear, it appears there should be a
metal flange on both sides that glass slides in however ours was simply
set on top of the wood supports and held in place by outer trim.
I see wagaero has the glass but I see no metal work in their catalog.

any advice appreciated.

The sides are covered with a fabric tape, doped in place. The front and rear have a fairing strip to secure the glass. The side is covered by the root fairing. This method is used on the 7ECA and should work for your Champ.
Paul

That appears to be the way this was installed, I guess the Texas sun
has warped the plastic causing it not to lay flat on wood frame. there is
approx. an inch between glass and wood at left rear side(looking forward from aft of plane).

Some of the eariler installations used a flat sheet for glass. This puts a lot of stress on the retainers. I use the Citabria skylight and cut it to my needs. It has a slight compound curve and fits with no distortion in the corners, shape or optics.
Paul

Thanks Paul, mine has the flat sheet and I can see how that would cause
stress at corners, a couple well known champ people have told me there
should be some type of metal channel along the sides to hold down glass
but I have not seen those used. What I need is a drawing and or pictures
of an installation.

Paul,

Not to butt in on the thread, but I have a question about the straight vs. curved glass. I am really ignorant on this but would like to know, can the straight be heated and curved or would it be just as well to purchase the curved? Your opinion??

Bill

Bill,
I,m sure you could heat the glass to conform to the shape required. You may have some problems with the optics and if not done correctly crazing can occur.
After looking the job over its cost effective to use the Citabria skylight cut to your needs than to gear up and make one from bulk stock.
I prefer the compound curve of the skylight. The retainers for the glass are used to hold the glass in position not to conform it to shape.
Paul

Paul,

Thanks. I appreciate your opinion. I never thought about the optics until you mentioned it.

Bill