Kitfox Aircraft Stick and Rudder Stein Air Grove Aircraft TCW Technologies Dynon Avionics AeroLED MGL Avionics Leading Edge Airfoils Desser EarthX Batteries Garmin G3X Touch
Results 1 to 10 of 10

Thread: Bubble Door Installation

Hybrid View

Previous Post Previous Post   Next Post Next Post
  1. #1

    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    AK
    Posts
    14

    Default Bubble Door Installation

    Anyone have some good photos and hints for successfully installting SS bubble doors. It sounds like they recommend bolting them in rather than the manuals direction of rivetting them in place. I would like to try an avoid cracking them or messing up the door frame as there is much margin for error.

    My thought was originally to drill through the frame first (if bolting is the suggested method, then using the plexiglass bit to match drill into the plexiglass. Securing the structure with pan head screws with rubber washers and cap nuts on the inside.

    They talk about flush (tapered) screws, but I am concerned about cracking.

    Any insight or personal experience with this would be appreciated.

  2. #2

    Default Re: Bubble Door Installation

    Here are the instructions I used and I attached a picture, I also used rivnuts so I would not have any nuts showing on the inside. Harbor freight tools for the rivnut tool and ebay for the tape used. the tape really sticks leave the backing on until you have the door right where you want it.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Attached Files Attached Files
    Dj Series 6

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    AK
    Posts
    14

    Default Re: Bubble Door Installation

    I am assuming you installed the Riv-nuts on the outside of the door frame (against the window) rather than drilling all the way through.

    Did you have any trouble with the lip on the Riv-nut where is touches the window as you tightened the screws down?

  4. #4
    Senior Member Dorsal's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Central, MA
    Posts
    1,511

    Default Re: Bubble Door Installation

    FWIW I used the tape plus black enameled SS sheet metal screws with plastic washers, not as good as riv-nuts but is holding strong at 150 hrs.

    http://www.teamkitfox.com/Forums/alb...pictureid=2427
    Dorsal ~~^~~
    Series 7 - Tri-Gear
    912 ULS Warp Drive

  5. #5

    Default Re: Bubble Door Installation

    That is correct only drill half way through. no trouble with the lip becouse of the tape you put on.
    Dj Series 6

  6. #6
    Senior Member cap01's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    yelm, wa
    Posts
    694

    Default Re: Bubble Door Installation

    the rivets are not the way to go . the lexan windows on my doors are pop riveted on and after a couple of years are starting to get small cracks . the rivnuts sound like a good idea when the cracks get bad enough to replace the lexan
    chuck
    kitfox IV 1050
    912ul warpdrive
    flying B , yelm, wa

  7. #7
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    LAWRENCE, KS
    Posts
    479

    Default Re: Bubble Door Installation

    My model 2 doors got fuel on them and it crazed the lexan bad. Does anyone know of a coating I can use on my model 4 doors to prevent this, or some other idea?


    Thanks
    Roger

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •