Today we did work on both fuel tanks and finished up the preparation work on the right tank. The first task was to use the flycutter on the drill-press to cut out a hole in the inboard tank rib for the access cover (both left and right tanks). Next we match drilled the access covers to the end-ribs and then match drilled the stiffner rings to the ribs. Because the access panel is secured using screws, we had to install platenuts (which means 2 rivet holes in addition to the screw hole). Before the platenuts could be installed, the rib needed to be deburred and dimpled and the stiffner ring was countersunk. We next drilled the holes for the fuel pickup tube, fuel vent line and the capacitive sensor connector. Once that was done, we then installed the stiffner and platenuts to the rib (this was done on the left and right fuel tanks.) Next we match drilled the fuel tank drain flange to the right tank skin. Finally we concentrated on the right fuel tank. We disassembled, deburred and dimpled all of the ribs and skins. We are waiting for the new fuel caps to arrive before we start to seal the right tank. Next session we will wrap up the prep work on the left tank in the hopes that the tank caps arrive before we're ready to start sealing the tanks.
Since we are using a capacitive fuel sensor we had use a different acess cover for the tank. We used the access cover included with the base kit to place the hole used for the fuel pickup tube.
The end rib, re-enforcement plate, and access cover prior to some prep and assembly work.
Darren cleaning up a re-enforcement plate.
An end rib with the plate-nuts, and re-enforcement plate riveted into place.
The access cover sitting in place.
A close-up of the skin after some dimpling work.
The skin more or less ready for assembly.
Another close-up of the skin after some dimpling work.
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