1. Masked off the lower edge of the canopy glass to protect it.
2. Began sanding and feathering the filled rivets and screws on the skirt. I managed to get 18 of them done, and I'll continue to work on this sanding project as time allows over the next couple of weeks.
3. Began assembling the internal canopy latch by sanding the handle shaft so the bronze bushing would slide over it. I also filed the latch plate a bit to ease how the bushing fit into it.
4. Test-fit all the components and put the handle in place through the canopy frame, then sat in the cockpit, closed the canopy, and marked an approximate location to trim the latch plate.
5. Cut the latch plate to the marked trim line, then filed it smooth.
6. Reassembled the whole latch assembly and determined where the external handle needed to be mounted. Marked the location, then disassembled everything and drilled and tapped the shaft and handle with an 8-32 thread. Inserted a stainless steel set screw to check the fit. The handle is nice and tight to the shaft, but the function of the latch seems a bit loose on the fixed stud in the airplane, so I might re-do it by making a new latch plate. A little more study is needed.
7. In the meantime, I got out my canopy security lock and determined its best location on the canopy slider rail.
8. Screwed the lock's pin down onto the rail to mark it, then removed it and drilled the #28 hole in the rail.
9. Fit the lock assembly in place, and it works beautifully.