smit705 0 #1 February 4, 2004 I just noticed an approx. 1" to 1 1/2" tear in the leading crossport in my center cell. Is this something that needs immediate repair or is it something to just keep an eye. Expert advise needed! Thanks! Dave Smith In Christ Dave Smith Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #2 February 4, 2004 Did you have a real hard opening? I've heard that really hard openings can sometimes tear a crossport, never knew if that was true or not, though.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smit705 0 #3 February 4, 2004 I did have a fairly hard opening on Sunday, Did not Hurt, however it was rather brisk opening In Christ Dave Smith Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hooknswoop 19 #4 February 4, 2004 Get it fixed, it will get worse. Derek Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smit705 0 #5 February 4, 2004 I will, Thanks! In Christ Dave Smith Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sducoach 0 #6 February 4, 2004 As Hook said, get it fixed. They do not repair themselves. Also the rib is a structural component of the canopy, it deserves your attention. Blues, J.E.James 4:8 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #7 February 4, 2004 Derek, Is what I posted correct, about hard openings causing these things to happens sometimes?--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mwabd1 0 #8 February 4, 2004 I had the rib completely rip out on my stilletto on a hop and pop, P.D. said that it probley started as a small tear at the cross port that went unnoticed. So a small $ repair turned into $400. I would not jump it until it is fixed! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 558 #9 February 4, 2004 Ask your local rigger to sew a patch on that torn cross port before it spreads to the seam. A stitch in time saves nine. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smit705 0 #10 February 4, 2004 I will take care of it this weekend, thanks guys for all the input. Good Luck and Blue Skies Dave Smith In Christ Dave Smith Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
linestretch 0 #11 February 4, 2004 it the tear is from the edge of the crossport, how would you patch it? I'm not visualizing it.my pics & stuff! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hooknswoop 19 #12 February 4, 2004 QuoteIs what I posted correct, about hard openings causing these things to happens sometimes? Yep, seen it happen a few times. Derek Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hooknswoop 19 #13 February 4, 2004 Quoteit the tear is from the edge of the crossport, how would you patch it? I'm not visualizing it. Un-stich the rib from the top or bottom skin if it is too close to the seam and patch it as if the cross port wasn't there. Then re-cut the cross-port with a hot-knife (cutting the excess material frmo the patch )and re-sew to the top/bottom skin. A lot of work, but the only way. BTW-do not use rip-stop tape to fix it. The adhesive is acidic and will eventually cause the entire are to fail. Derek Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smit705 0 #14 February 4, 2004 The tear is not to the seam, maybe 1" below. My rigger will look at this weekend. In Christ Dave Smith Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hooknswoop 19 #15 February 4, 2004 That sioounds like it is close enough that the seam will have to unstitched in order to patch it. Derek Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smit705 0 #16 February 4, 2004 Ouch! Thanks and Blue skies Dave Smith In Christ Dave Smith Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
r2hubert 0 #17 February 5, 2004 Quote BTW-do not use rip-stop tape to fix it. The adhesive is acidic and will eventually cause the entire are to fail. Hum.... I have a rip-stop tape on one of my cross port because of a tear.... If the adhesive is bad... what is the rip stop tape for? How come we use it for canopy.... I'm getting worried right now.... -- Renaud SMA #9 "Mind is like parachute. It only functions when it's open." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hooknswoop 19 #18 February 5, 2004 QuoteHum.... I have a rip-stop tape on one of my cross port because of a tear.... If the adhesive is bad... what is the rip stop tape for? How come we use it for canopy.... It is OK for a temp fix, but then the entire area that was taped must be patched instead of the small hole. That is the downside of using it as a temporary fix. I have torn fabric that had F-111 tape on it like tissue paper. I have seen several canopies blow up with the failure starting at the area that had been taped. If you have F-111 tape on your canopy, get the entire taped area patched. If you can avoid using it, don't use it. Derek Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alan 1 #19 February 7, 2004 Yes, especially if the nose is rolled and tucked into the center cell during packing to help control the openings. His profile says a Turbo ZX and that canopy had a reputation for brisk openings and the occassional slammer, so like the old Sabre, many people rolled the nose and tucked it in. That can put a lot of stress on the fabric around the nose where the outside cells are tucked during the inflation.alan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
