Rear 1/4 windows: Question for my fellow Oratex abusers

[PapuaPilot]

I am actually in the process of covering over those windows - additional weight and no reason for them - they are NEVER USED. Just my .02. I think the plane looks way sleeker with them fabric'd over

Opinion: You can never have too much visibility from a plane. I look out the triangle window on the opposite side all of the time and would hate to have a blind spot.

[Redline]

Not Oratex, but I wrapped over the top of the frame and then also around the bottom (probably could have done without the bottom wrap). The flat area where the baggage compartment velcro will attach is covered with a strip of leftover laker leading edge that was trimmed and Hysol'ed into place.

I think I'm going to limo tint the windows, though I'm not sure if tint will bubble on polycarbonate.

IMG_1913.jpg

[alexM]

Thank you to everyone for their input. I did as Geek suggested and wrapped about 1/4-3/8". Didn't take very long and it will certainly be less likely to peel than if I had just cut it to the edge of the aluminum.
PXL_20230112_234332484.jpg
You might have to turn your computer over for this to look right because I've got the fuselage upside down to do tapes.

[Freedom2]

Thank you to everyone for their input. I did as Geek suggested and wrapped about 1/4-3/8". Didn't take very long and it will certainly be less likely to peel than if I had just cut it to the edge of the aluminum.
PXL_20230112_234332484.jpg
You might have to turn your computer over for this to look right because I've got the fuselage upside down to do tapes.

Alex, Looking Great!!! I'm not on the forum that often so didn't see your question soon enough. You did the right thing by wrapping it around i think. Thats what I did and worked out great when you install the windows. Also about those windows, My 1st kitfox that i built i installed those windows and on my present flying kitfox the original builder did not install them. In my opinion I think it looks better and even though some think they are useless I feel every little bit of visibility out of the cockpit helps prevent any blind spots. My two bits!

[Jerrytex]

Not Oratex, but I wrapped over the top of the frame and then also around the bottom (probably could have done without the bottom wrap). The flat area where the baggage compartment velcro will attach is covered with a strip of leftover laker leading edge that was trimmed and Hysol'ed into place.

I think I'm going to limo tint the windows, though I'm not sure if tint will bubble on polycarbonate.

IMG_1913.jpg[/QUOTE]



I had poor luck tinting polycarbonate. It bubbles up pretty fast and looks bad.

I used factory tinted polycarbonate (might have been Acrylic for the skylight?) on the skylight, and the turtledeck.... it worked much better and looks nice and clear. Amazon/ebay sells pieces small enough to do the 1/4 windows at a reasonable price.

[Redline]

Thanks for the input on the tinting. I was afraid that might be the case.