----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]----on 11/03/03 8:25 AM, Tommy Terry at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Yo, Tommy
I have a 46, 415-C with the original type canopy opening. My wife has asked if the center piece can be removed for a more ³open cockpit² feeling? Anybody got any ideas
Tommy N93929
First coupe I had had a metal sunshade. I, too, decided to try it with the "original" set-up, which, as Ed mentioned, is no sunshade (third center panel) and side panels long enough to meet when closed at the top and still close off the sides below the sill.
In southern California, where I was based then, and in Texas (now), I found the heat from the sun unbearable, both during taxi and low altitude, low speed flights. I also found it harder on the eyes, even with good sunglasses. The "clincher" was on my way to an EOC National in Minden, NE, I opened up the gap a little more than the usual 1" or so, and my carefully plotted map showing overall course, primary and optional fuel stops (for 80/87!) was immediately sucked out from above accompanied by much noise of wrinkling paper as it conformed to the shape necessary for exit (and my complete surprise and disappointment at such loss).
When I got back home, I replaced the metal sunshade with a clear Lexan (legal?) one on the inside of which I had applied 3" strips with 1/8" overlap mirror film applied fore-to-aft. From that time on, I had the benefit of sun protection, weight saving (over the metal sunshade), better observation of other aircraft and separate "vents" (openings) controlled by each occupant. The slight increase in overall weight from the two-sidescreen configuration was worth it, in my book.
Regards,
WRB
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