Week 9: Fuel Tank Prep

This week I continued prepping parts for the right wing fuel tank. I got the skin scuffed and dimpled, and the front part of the frame completed as well. I test fit the frame to the skin, and mounted it to the wing. With the assembly on the wing I reamed all the holes so that rivets would fit when ready. The instructions say to do this now so the shavings can be cleaned off before the parts are permanently assembled and the tank is sealed.

I also received my Archer Nav Antenna as well as my wing and tail wiring harnesses this week. I did a test fit of the antenna and I think it will work well. I just have to figure out the best way to mount it so it makes good contact with the wing. I did go ahead and install the wiring harness into the wing. The quality is great and they will save me a lot of time and be better than if I had done it all myself.

I did run into one issue at the end of the week. The hole in the skin for the fuel tank cap is too small. The factory said this is because they had been considering different caps, and left the hole undersized so other ones could be used. They instructed me to use a file to enlarge it to the right size. Next week I will do this as well as hopefully complete this fuel tank.