canopy hinges

05-25-2009, 12:20 AM

Trevorwithnall | canopy hinges

Hello to everyone. My name is Trevor Withnall and I live in Sydney Australia.

I purchased the wrech of John Bormans seawind in June 2005 and shipped it back to Australia. I have since purchased a new (second hand) left wing and purchased a canopy from SNA. I have done a few repairs to the hull and so on but have installed the canopy. The canopy from SNA did not come with hinges and looking at previous posts it seems that the original hinges were not very strong. The paper work that came with Johns plane is pre 1993 and shows external bolt on hinges but the ones that were fitted had a slot in the back of the cabin and a piece of stainless steel bar in there. The canopy broke off in the accident and the two bars remained in the back of the cabin but the rest of the hinges went down with the canopy. I have heard that some people have made stronger hinges and searched the discussion area but couldnt find detail.

Can anyone help me with some pictures or sketches of what they are supposed to look like for the part that attaches to the actual canopy.

thanks for your help.

trevor withnall

05-25-2009, 07:49 AM

Tom Saccio | Canopy hinges

I take it you didn't get the manuals with the plane. If you have them, you will find detailed drawings of the canopy and hinges. I would think that Noeleen Borman might still have them if you don't. Also Keith Walljasper also reinforced his hinges. You might want to check with him also. Good luck.


Tom Saccio

05-27-2009, 10:38 PM

keithw | Canopy Hinges

Hi trevorwithall, I am Keith Walljasper fly Seawind N80CC. Yes I have had some problems with my canopy hinges and would send to you a page from my build manual along with a drawing of the modifications that I made to add strenth'. e-mail me your adress and I will send them to you PRONTO. kwalljasper@comcast.net

06-12-2009, 12:33 AM

seapilot1 | Canopy Hinges

Mine were cracked and I had new ones made last year. I will dig up the info and get it to you.

Ron Broyles

415-492-9134