Opening Windows
Photographs taken through polycarb windows often end up with disappointing reflections.
So I made opening windows in my Savannah.
It was fairly easy to do, and the cost was minimal.
 |
 |
 |
 |
The windows hinge at the top and swing up into the cabin, and are held up by velcro tabs to the overhead consule.
They're held closed by the little plastic toggles used to secure fly screens on aluminium windows.
The suction of the airflow past the window also pulls the windows closed.
If the static vent for the ASI is inside the cabin, then the change of pressure will cause the indicated airspeed to jump up 4 kts when the window is opened.
There's a polycarb deflector at the front of the opening, projecting out 40 mm.
There's very little disturbance with the windows opened, just a low frequency rumbling noise.
First install the divider up the inside of the middle of the original window.
The divider is 20x12x1.6mm angle, with the 12mm flange inside and to the rear.
Cut out the opening, leaving a flange all around.
When planning the size of the opening, consider clearance necessary to miss the throttle knob when opening.
The opening portion is cut from 2mm polycarb.
Rivet a paino hinge to the top of the opening portion, with a doubler of aluminium strip inside to take the rivet loads.
Rivet the closure toggles to the inside of the flange. Place a small washer inside to take the rivet pressure, and carefully pull the rivets, only tight enough to give the necessary turning friction for the toggles. Do not pull hard enough to break the rivet stem. Knock the rivet stem out with a light hammer. (The extra row of holes in the photo are from an earlier version of the openig window.)
To hold the window open, fold a strip of fuzzy-side, self-adhesive velcro back on itself and stuck to both sides of the bottom of the window.
Stick a piece of self-adhesive hook-side velcro to the overhead consule so it can match the tab on the window.
Rivet the deflector to the front edge of the door. The polycarb for the deflector can be bent cold, in a metal bending brake.
The snap air vent was moved down into the lower portion of the door.
jpj