I clamped the canopy to the frame again in order to mark the final trim lines along the side rails. But first I had to go to the hardware store again and pick up even more clamps, if you can believe it. I ended up using them all, too.
I also marked a line for further trimming along the aft edge. This will give me 1/2" of overhang, or 3/4" of edge distance from the fasteners – right in the middle of the suggested range.
Here it is after trimming. I know, it doesn't look any different, but it took a lot of itchy, nasty, obnoxious work to get from the first photo to this one.
I went over all four edges with the belt sander again, then 220 and 400 grit paper. I also made an extra effort to knock the sharp corners off all the cut edges, which I slacked on yesterday. The edges aren't glass-smooth yet but they're okay for now.
Back on the fuselage and all clamped down. Everything seems to have pulled into place nicely. The sides of the bubble are now 1/4" above the canopy frame side rails, which will make room for some aluminum bits that attach the plexiglass to the frame.
Lots of canopy scraps in the trash… I hope all these pieces were supposed to be removed!
I need to come back with the belt sander and make the visible forward lip of the canopy arrow-straight, but I'll wait to do that till after the plexiglass is drilled to the frame and nothing is going shift around.