Today I reworked the right strap I attached
to the baggage bulkhead panel for the installation of the bulkhead upholstery
panel. I removed the small section of
the panel that is behind the fuel tank.
The modification is to allow access to the tail cone without removing
the fuel tank which must be done to remove the full sized panel. Because I installed a screw to attach the
strap to the stationary part of the panel I would have to remove the tank to
remove the screw in the strap which defeats the purpose of the removable
section of the access panel. I connected
the panels together and drilled out the rivet attaching the strap to the
removable section of the access panel. I
installed a nutplate in the access panel so that screw can be removed and the
removable part of the panel can be taken out.
I reinstalled the whole panel and then put the upholstered panel in
place. I was able to attach it with the
fasteners provided.
I drilled a hole in the upholstered panel for the new fuel tank
vent line. I also drilled a hole through
the bulkhead and installed a snap bushing.
I put the tank back into the airplane and then proceeded to make the
tubing section which goes from the tank fitting through the bulkhead. It took 3-times to make a tube that fits correctly. The first tube I made according to the
drawings and it was too short to reach the fitting on the fuel tank. I made another tube and after I clamped it
into the flaring tool I dropped the tool and badly kinked the tube. The third attempt was a success. I have a piece of tubing bent to the correct
configuration with a flared fitting on the right end. The other end passes through the
bulkhead. I will need to slot the
upholstered panel so I can slide it into place because once the tubing is
installed it cannot be removed from passing through the bulkhead. Now I need to make the tubing pieces which
are installed behind the bulkhead to vent the tank through the bottom of the
fuselage.
