06-22-2013: 2 hrs
For canopy external handle that helps to open canopy from outside, differenet builders have different approaches. My version is cheap and light. I bought a sheet metal door handle from Home Depot, the length of the handle is slightly longer than 2" which is the spacing between rivets on the frame. The handle is pretty light since it is not a solid part like many other handles, it was formed from a very thin sheet steel. I adjusted the distance between fasteners on the handle, and it actually fit my canopy pretty well. I don't need to drill additional holes.
then worked on the left canopy side track, removing some material on the after end. then I drilled the holes for fasteners attching the track to fuselage. I mis-read the plan, only drilled 6 fasten holes, while it should be 7. Since the track is really not structural part, just there to guide the caonpy, I am not worried with one less screw. it can be considered as a weight saving. But I will drill the right track per plan though.
P.S. I ended up not to use the shims.
The handle costed me less than $2 at HomeDepot
