Canopy fit on the 500

[Rob43]

What is the trick to getting the canopy on and off with the 500? There's not much to grasp in the back where the grommets are located. I think my canopy needs some sanding of the bottom edge up front where it wraps the frame. But still, first time I tried to check fit, I like to never got it back off. Tore one of the grommets. Guess I will have to use Shoe Goo when I replace them and then use some lube on the post.

[DoubleCH]

Common mod is to swap the canopy pins with the anti-rotational bracket bolts. Makes canopy easier to reach canopy pins.

[Rob43]

I figured so. I did that earlier this evening. Too much looser, but maybe my pack might crowd it enough to take it up. Thanks for the tip though!

[deebee]

I have also had to sand down the ball of the standard canopy pin to make for a smooth fit with certain grommets, sometimes it helps to ream out the hole in the canopy a bit as well, just depends.

[babyuh1]

I moved my mounts forward and it makes a loose fit with some batteries so I use a small block of foam on top of the battery to take up space.
Works great!

[kingmeow]

You can also add some washers to the front of the skid attach points so it creates a "slot" that allows the canopy to go further back. This helps in getting the holes close to mounts. Other suggestions posted by others also help.

On mine, I did both the washer mod and swapping the location of the anti-rotation bracket with the mounts. Geometry wise everything is much better but it still takes some force to get the mounts through the grommets. One day I may have to enlarge the holes slightly on the canopy.

[crickr1]

Originally Posted by kingmeow

You can also add some washers to the front of the skid attach points so it creates a "slot" that allows the canopy to go further back. This helps in getting the holes close to mounts. Other suggestions posted by others also help.

On mine, I did both the washer mod and swapping the location of the anti-rotation bracket with the mounts. Geometry wise everything is much better but it still takes some force to get the mounts through the grommets. One day I may have to enlarge the holes slightly on the canopy.

I like to use synthetic grease on any grommets/pins so as not to rip the grommet. Just a small amt, works great

[Rob43]

My solution will simply be to sand the chin contact area with the frame to make for a better fit. Thanks for everyone's thoughts. Grease the posts. Probably a dab of Shoe Goo on the inside of the canopy for the grommett. I've found this almost always makes the grommett connection more resilient.

Thanks for your thoughts, guys!

[kingmeow]

Originally Posted by crickr1

I like to use synthetic grease on any grommets/pins so as not to rip the grommet. Just a small amt, works great

Yep, I do that too. I use the same silicone spray that I use for my belt and put a drop on my finger and work it into each grommet. They eventually need to be "replenished". I'm still hunting for the T-Rex 500 canopy mounts you showed me.

[MSH-Direct]

These should fit.. Do some quick measurements, seems like the ones Rick and I have might be a bit shorter than the stock pins.
http://www.rcbooya.com/align-500-series.html

[kingmeow]

Awesome Bill! The ones that Rick showed me are nearly impossible to find. So far no luck on the internet! I'll take a look at the RCBooya that you recommended.

BTW, nice meeting you at IRCHA!