Fuel Tank Assembly - Section 18

We started the process of sealing our fuel tanks this week. The parts have been finished for some time but we decided to leave them until last to give them our undivided attention.

The interior of the tanks have been scuffed at all the fraying areas to insure a good bond using Pro-Seal between the ribs and stiffeners.

Tank filler after cleaning up the pro-seal on the exterior side

These are the bottom tank stiffeners after sealing to the bottom skin

Interior of the tank filler, not pretty, but it won't leak and it looks great from the exterior

Fuel tank drain before riveting

fuel tank fittings sealed on the root rib, plate nuts for the fuel level sender will get installed next

Filler after wet riveting and clean up.

Tank stiffeners are done, sealed on all four side and wet riveted

Fuel drain after riveting and sealing the rivets

Filler neck on the interior of the tank after wet riveting and sealing the shop rivet heads. No, it's not pretty, but it is on the inside and it works, soooo!

The main tank baffles (ribs) are in place after using sealer on both the skin and the ribs.

This is a typical tank rib with Proseal between the fraying surfaces, clecoed in place to be riveted tomorrow.

We have been taking our time on this process and only starting off what we can accomplish in the time we have. It is easy to get into a mess quickly.

Rafael sealing the shop heads of the rivets.

Vent line is installed as is the last rib. We are almost ready to seal the backplate of the tank but we are going to have it inspected by our favorite friend, A & P and designee Ed Booth.

Rafael squeezing rivets with his favorite tool

This is a view of the tank/spar attach brackets

Close up of Rafa and the pneumatic squeezer in action