March 28rd, 29th, 30th, April 2nd, April 4th, 2019, 20h
After further reading on inverted fuel and oil, we decided to go without, given that we are not looking to do extended inverted flight or negative g maneuvers.
So far, we had good progress with the fuel tanks. However, open fitting the fuel tank with the leading edge, the fit was not good. I talked with Vans technical support about this, and they mentioned that the z bars connecting the main spar to the fuel tank can bend and that I can extend the holes in the baffle. However, I was not happy with applying these solutions. I decided to buy new z bars and a drill press in order to get the holed drilled more accurately this time to get a good fit between the fuel tank and the leading edge.
After drilling the new z bars for the left tank and attaching the fuel tank to the wing. The fit was perfect. It was worth it. Then we moved on to finishing the left fuel tank prep:
- Drilling, deburring, countersinking and riveting plate nut to the z bars.
- Drilling, deburring, countersinking and riveting plate nut to the attachment plate between the fuel tank and leading edge.
- Match drilling the z bars to the baffle and the ribs.
- Counter sinking the fuel tank sink for the baffle attachment holes.
- Attaching the fuel tank again and re-checking the fit. Looks great.
- Prepping the fuel line and sander attachments
Itching the inner left fuel tank, the ribs and the stiffeners to prep so that the tank sealant adheres well.
