This evening I started work on the fuel tank. I spent some considerable time rounding up the parts for the tank assembly. They were scattered about in the shop and out in the garage. I located everything and began working on prepping the parts for assembly. I started by countersinking the holes in the T-407 attachment ring. I also used a Scotch Brite pad to prep the ring and the front wall of the fuel tank.
I then clecoed the front wall of the tank, the attachment ring and the required nutplates together. I used the rivet squeezer to set the rivets in the holes. It is good to be building again.
Next I deburred and prepped the fuel flange which will be attached to the bottom of the tank. I also prepped the forward tank mounting bracket. I countersunk the rivet holes in the ends of the mounting bracket for the nutplate rivets. I then used the #30 countersink to prep the row of holes at the lower edge of the forward tank mounting bracket. I riveted the nutplates to the ends of the bracket and deburred all of the edges. I then stripped the blue vinyl film from the main tank part which includes the bottom and 2-sides all in one. I prepped the mounting surfaces of the main tank part with a Scotch Brite pad.
After setting up the small work tables in the garage I put the parts on the tables. I clecoed the parts together to be sure everything fits properly. I am now ready to start mixing the Pro-Seal and rivet the parts together.
After reading ahead I pulled out the tank baffles. They will be attached to the bottom and front wall of the tank. I then took everything apart and set the pieces aside. I will start the tank assembly tomorrow evening.
