Building F-16 Canopy Lids - (w/pics)

Rick i do not understand why you had to build new lids because when i was employed at Skater , we always used the cut out's of the canopy for the entrance way for the lids and did you consider a mini roll bar like Skater uses for the driver and throttle man ? Rick i would also recomend using the Skater latch because it work;s very well .



I would defiantly use a metal roll bar system under it, once that thing is cut it has no strength left and heaven and forbid you test it.
 
I would defiantly use a metal roll bar system under it, once that thing is cut it has no strength left and heaven and forbid you test it.

It was tested before I owned it when she was running triple 2.5/280's at WOT. Both driver and throttleman were ok from what I was told and the boat was flipped and dried out for another day.

But I like the idea of a roll bar more and more just in case.
 
It looks good

Do me a favor though. The more trim around the latch the better (and the hinges if they have the removable pins). Even a big "RESCUE" with an arrow would be nice. Not that I ever want to have to see it up close, but just in case.

Nice job man
 
Do me a favor though. The more trim around the latch the better (and the hinges if they have the removable pins). Even a big "RESCUE" with an arrow would be nice. Not that I ever want to have to see it up close, but just in case.

Nice job man

Ok, I have the extra large stainless hinges with removable pins for the "just in case moment" so I'm OK there.

Edge: The lip is 1.1/8 around. Once again before starting I spoke with a few people who worked at Skater, Ocean Express and one F16 Mechanic that lives near the shop. They all felt with the speed of the boat and span of the hole 1 inch lip would be more than enough. All though I did have to cut the lip near the area the hinge bolted to the lid or it would not close properly.

Sticker: The Rescue sticker with a large orange arrow will be cut soon (courtesy of Glassdave)

Latch system: I took a couple pictures of the systems on the Wahoo fountain and a Doug Wright and know for a fact the one the machine shop made from billet is stronger and wont "pop" open like I have seen others do in big water races.

I feel comfortable with this over my head at 85mph or even 95mph, but not at 115 or above but the boat wont go that fast anyways.
 
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