1.2 Hours -
The final interior rib has been riveted and sealed in the right fuel tank! Fortunately, the outer ribs and the baffle can be squeezed. Unfortunately, I still have a whole other tank to build. However, I think I’ve got the process dialed in, and I’m sure the left tank will go together more quickly.
The inner ribs on the right tank are all riveted and sealed. I can't tell you how happy I am that I get to squeeze the rest of the rivets on this tank!
Here's a close look at two ribs. The rivet shop heads are encapsulated, and there is a filet of sealant all the way around both sides of the rib flange. There shouldn't be any leaks here...
As for the sealant, its not as bad as many people make it out to be. Sure, it sticks to everything it touches and makes the rivet gun and bucking slip around on the rivets, but I still managed, for the most part, to keep it off me and my clothes.
Next up, I’ll rivet the outboard rib, then install the vent line, then install the inboard rib and vent line fittings. Once this is done, I’ll need to install both the fuel pickup tube and the fuel level sender on the inboard rib access plate. After that, it will finally be time to install the baffle and close the tank for good!
