tz250w
05-07-2008, 09:24 AM
Just a couple things I tried with my latest canopy for my Sceadu.
I opened ducts in the lower front to increase airflow to my muffler (and on the other side) as I don't like to cut the canopy around it (Hatori 3D pipe). I've done this on my previous canopies but made them larger this time. I put some aluminum / fiberglass insulation tape that is used for motorcycle cowlings inside the canopy near the muffler to protect it from heat. To open the ducts, I make a rough cut with a knife then round it out with a sanding drum on my dremel. I make them large enough to poke my fingers through making it very easy to release the front canopy mounts.
Next, instead of cutting out the windscreen section, I painted the inside of the screen with Tamiya "PS" can spray. It's the stuff used on polycarbonate RC car bodies and is sprayed on the inside. It's water based and resistant to fuel. I used a very light mist of silver, then a light mist of gold and finally covered it with gun metal. The result is a nice glittery finish and when screwed on the canopy you'd never know it was painted. Of course, it's impossible to see the govener and GY-502 LCDs but I have to remove the canopy to adjust them anyway. For battery level, I stuck a hyperion batter meter on the side of the fuel tank. Leaving the 'milk jug' canopy windscreen section, while adding a small amount of weight, protects the painted inner surface and makes cleaning much easier. Not only that but adds some support in the eventual crash hopefully either keeping the windscreen in one piece, protecting the electrics or both.
Finally, I use professional grade cutting sheet for coloring. I get it from a friend that makes signs. He gives me his leftover scraps. This stuff is really strong and thin. As long as the sharp edges are sealed with clear nail polish, it lasts a long time (longer than I can keep from crashing...). I have found this yellow scheme the best (for me) for visability in all weather.
Now for the pictures...
http://www.motomaniac.net/trx850/hosted/heli/evo080507001.jpg
http://www.motomaniac.net/trx850/hosted/heli/evo080507003.jpg
http://www.motomaniac.net/trx850/hosted/heli/evo080507002.jpg
I opened ducts in the lower front to increase airflow to my muffler (and on the other side) as I don't like to cut the canopy around it (Hatori 3D pipe). I've done this on my previous canopies but made them larger this time. I put some aluminum / fiberglass insulation tape that is used for motorcycle cowlings inside the canopy near the muffler to protect it from heat. To open the ducts, I make a rough cut with a knife then round it out with a sanding drum on my dremel. I make them large enough to poke my fingers through making it very easy to release the front canopy mounts.
Next, instead of cutting out the windscreen section, I painted the inside of the screen with Tamiya "PS" can spray. It's the stuff used on polycarbonate RC car bodies and is sprayed on the inside. It's water based and resistant to fuel. I used a very light mist of silver, then a light mist of gold and finally covered it with gun metal. The result is a nice glittery finish and when screwed on the canopy you'd never know it was painted. Of course, it's impossible to see the govener and GY-502 LCDs but I have to remove the canopy to adjust them anyway. For battery level, I stuck a hyperion batter meter on the side of the fuel tank. Leaving the 'milk jug' canopy windscreen section, while adding a small amount of weight, protects the painted inner surface and makes cleaning much easier. Not only that but adds some support in the eventual crash hopefully either keeping the windscreen in one piece, protecting the electrics or both.
Finally, I use professional grade cutting sheet for coloring. I get it from a friend that makes signs. He gives me his leftover scraps. This stuff is really strong and thin. As long as the sharp edges are sealed with clear nail polish, it lasts a long time (longer than I can keep from crashing...). I have found this yellow scheme the best (for me) for visability in all weather.
Now for the pictures...
http://www.motomaniac.net/trx850/hosted/heli/evo080507001.jpg
http://www.motomaniac.net/trx850/hosted/heli/evo080507003.jpg
http://www.motomaniac.net/trx850/hosted/heli/evo080507002.jpg