Yellowing of canopies and clear parts

[GTX_Admin]

Hi folks,

Any suggestions for dealing with yellowing f clear parts such as canopies?

Regards,

Greg

[Brian da Basher]

Short of sanding and polishing, my only thought would be to try the same trick used on yellowed decals: set it so it gets sun (but make sure it doesn't get hot enough to melt the plastic!) and see if that helps. Of course, you'd want to give the canopy a thorough cleaning first.

Brian da Basher

[kitnut617]

I've heard of vacuform canopies yellowing but not injection ones Greg, and I couldn't begin to suggest a solution. I think Brian's polishing idea would be best.

[GTX_Admin]

They are vacuform canopies that I'm talking about.

[kitnut617]

I don't think putting them in the sun will help then, from what I've read there's not much you can do other than replace them.  In the box of CF-105 parts that came with the moulds I bought, there's a few sets of canopies which have turned or are turning yellow, I'll probably have to dump them as I can't sell them like that.  Maybe an email to Falcon and see what they might suggest   

[GTX_Admin]

Thanks - that's what I have concluded as well.  One idea I had was to use the parts to create moulds and then use the moulds to create new ones...

[kitnut617]

One idea I had was to use the parts to create moulds and then use the moulds to create new ones...

That would work, use a 'female' mould though ---

[GTX_Admin]

Why is that?

[kitnut617]

A female mould gives nice crisp edges whereas a male mould ends up with very rounded or soft edges, like for framework etc.  Of course you'd have to make some tiny drill holes in the female mould and then vacuform them.

Here's a pic of the canopy mould that came with the CF-105 stuff.  Of course your's wouldn't have to be so elaborate ---