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

[efwd]

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

[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.

[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.

[Redline]

Not Oratex, but I wrapped over the top of the frame and then also around the bottom (probably could have done without the bottom wrap). The flat area where the baggage compartment velcro will attach is covered with a strip of leftover laker leading edge that was trimmed and Hysol'ed into place.

I think I'm going to limo tint the windows, though I'm not sure if tint will bubble on polycarbonate.

IMG_1913.jpg

[alexM]

Thank you to everyone for their input. I did as Geek suggested and wrapped about 1/4-3/8". Didn't take very long and it will certainly be less likely to peel than if I had just cut it to the edge of the aluminum.
PXL_20230112_234332484.jpg
You might have to turn your computer over for this to look right because I've got the fuselage upside down to do tapes.