The first thing I got to was the tanks. My testing kit arrived and I got it all setup. Luckily the right tank did not have any leaks, but the left tank had two. But luckily those two leaks were right near the gas cap so I was able to Read more
I got quite a bit of the initial work done on the nose ribs and brackets. I did make one mistake that I’ve ordered replacement parts for. The drill press caught the part and forced it off the table and up the drill bit, which elongated the hole. Unfortunately it Read more
I got the rest of the 40 rivets set and I drilled and dimpled the screw holes on the edge of the skin. Now I just need to let these sit for a few more days to make 100% sure they are cured and hopefully the pressure testing kit will Read more
The rear baffles and Z brackets have now been installed on both tanks! I’m so glad that part is done and I can’t wait for my test kits to arrive so I can verify they are 100% sealed. I know the front half is sealed so now I just need Read more
The leak testing was successful apart from the caps and the seal I did on the fuel vent line. With those fixed it did not leak anymore. I went ahead and installed the fuel return ports so that I can have it there when I finally make my decision on Read more
I felt it would be prudent to test the tanks in their current state for leaks. There are different ways everyone has done this but I’m just going to do water for now. I filled them up with water and the only leaks I had was my tape job trying Read more
I did some cleaning yesterday and today but I forgot to post it yesterday. Not a huge deal since it didn’t really change the appearance of the tanks that much. I did find a single rivet that I forgot to encapsulate so I got that sealed and I also got Read more
First thing was the additional VA-141 3/8 NPT flanges came in today. Unfortunately one of them did not have threads all the way through like it is supposed to. I called Van’s to see if they are going to ship a replacement or if it is okay to tap it Read more
Eric came by today and looked at my wing progress and the tanks. The only thing I need to fix is make sure I don’t have any strings or possibility of sealant coming loose. I knew I needed to clean it up but he pointed out a few that I Read more
I went by the EAA tool crib today and got a flare tool so I could finish the vent lines and get the final half of the inboard ribs installed. Luckily that went off without a hitch and the tanks are now ready to be inspected! I called my wonderful Read more