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

[alexM]

When you covered the sides of your fuselage and went to cut out those triangle shaped windows, did you just cut the fabric flush to the edge of the aluminum channel, or did you attempt to wrap that fabric edge over the aluminum?

If my question doesn't make sense I'll try again.

Thanks in advance.

[jrevens]

When you covered the sides of your fuselage and went to cut out those triangle shaped windows, did you just cut the fabric flush to the edge of the aluminum channel, or did you attempt to wrap that fabric edge over the aluminum?

If my question doesn't make sense I'll try again.

Thanks in advance.

Alex... I believe I wrapped it over the aluminum.

[Geek]

And I trimmed mine at the edge. Looking back if I were to do it again, I would probably wrap mine over maybe a quarter inch or so. That way the adhesive for the window would still have full aluminum to adhere to and at the same time help seal the edge of the frame.

G

[bumsteer]

Alex

I also wrapped mine over and don't know if anyone else had this problem but when I tightened the fabric around the window it did start to pull the top of the aluminum outward slightly.

Rick

[AvDES LLC]

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

[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.

[alexM]

Alex

I also wrapped mine over and don't know if anyone else had this problem but when I tightened the fabric around the window it did start to pull the top of the aluminum outward slightly.

Rick

That's a good point. I already tightened my fabric (including that window opening for some reason I can't justify right now) and could see the aluminum moving.

As for omitting the windows, I considered doing that a long time ago. I would have agreed those windows are basically useless until I flew a Kitfox at Stick & Rudder. With the combination of lexan turtledeck, sky light and bubble doors I found the visibility in all directions was outstanding - especially for a side by side high wing airplane. Those little windows would become your only blind spot.

Besides that, I need to drill one of them for my OAT probe, since I didn't put it out by my pitot tube like all the cool kids do.

I do like Geek's suggestion of a 1/4" wrap. It will help prevent it from peeling and still give a good bond surface for the windows.

[efwd]

I wrapped mine. I am interested in seeing a pic of your covered window though.

[Kitfox Pilot]

When you covered the sides of your fuselage and went to cut out those triangle shaped windows, did you just cut the fabric flush to the edge of the aluminum channel, or did you attempt to wrap that fabric edge over the aluminum?

If my question doesn't make sense I'll try again.

Thanks in advance.

I cut mine flush but later wrapped finish tape over the edge. If doing it again I would fold them over while covering.

[tracstarr]

I folded mine over. I found i really had to prep the surface to make sure there were no bumps/lumps or otherwise as it'll show.