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Through some (I think) bonehead measuring, I managed to get the metal ball
studs for my 360 canopy gas struts too close together.  As a result, I could
not attach the struts to the open canopy, as the canopy reached the limit of
its travel with the studs about one inch too close to each other.

This is not a safety-of-flight item, and only serves to make it easier to
lift up the canopy and hold it open.  So I went to the local Pep Boys auto
parts store and discovered they have at least 50 different struts of
different lengths with different end fittings.  It was fairly easy to match
up the strut I brought with me with an identical strut about one inch
shorter.  Problem solved, I think.

While I could not measure the compression force of the two struts, it appears
that the Lancair-provided canopy strut has about 25% more force.  Maybe 100
pounds for the Lancair strut vice 80 pounds for the Pep Boys strut.  But
that's only a ballpark guess.  They have more than ample force for the canopy
now, which does not have the plexiglass installed.  Later on I'll see how
well it works with the glass in place.

I'd be cautious about going to the auto parts store for the nose gear strut.  
I'd call the manufacturer and verify which one gave the (100 pounds?) force
called for by Lancair.  Or buy one and measure the compression force.  I have
read postings with suitable replacements listed in this forum but it was a
couple of years ago.

Oh, by the way, the struts I bought were $16 each.

- Rob Wolf
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LML website:   http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html
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Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.
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