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Question about Tanks

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sshook(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2006 9:53 am Post subject: Question about Tanks

Fellow Builders,  

I have a dilemma, here is the synopsis…  

I am currently working on the Left Tank and I have already drilled my Z brackets (thank you Dan for the easy way of doing it).  I have clecoed together the Tank and the rear baffle to the tank.  When I put the tank on the spar, there is a gap between the tank skin and top main skin.  The gap looks like its somewhere between 1/32 and 1/16.  I will see if I can get an exact measurement tonight, I am also going to attach the bottom main skin and see how that looks before I move forward.    

I can also see where the holes that will be dimpled for the screws along the top of the spar are not exactly lined up with the hole in the nutplates (probably a distance equal to that gap I am talking about).  The bottom tank attach holes look like they are lined up fine.  

Also, the leading edge of the tank seems to sit about the thickness of the skin higher than the leading edge (just at the forward most portion where the tank and L/E meet).  Other than that, there is no gap along the seam between the tank and L/E.  

Any suggestions or insight will be greatly appreciated…Thank you  

Scott & Jenni  

RV-7A N696JS  

Working on left tank     [quote][b]

dan(at)rvproject.com
Guest

Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2006 10:26 am Post subject: Question about Tanks

Push down harder on the tank.  I know that  sounds too simple, but try it.  

  

 )_( Dan

 RV-7 N714D

 www.rvproject.com / www.weathermeister.com

 [quote]   ---

Brad Oliver

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 6
Location: Livermore, CA

Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2006 10:39 am Post subject: Question about Tanks

Scott,



Does the bottom picture on this page look familiar?

http://www.rv7factory.com/log/060110.html



I asked around too, and I discovered that this was a fairly common

issue.  At the suggestion of another builder I was able to help the fit

somewhat by taking the nose of each of the tank ribs to the deburring

wheel to improve their roundness (is that a word?).  In other words, by

smoothing out the noses of the ribs a little more, I was able to

slightly improve their fit into the skin.



I also used some ratcheting cargo straps to snug the tank skin to the

wing, and I was able to get the screw holes in the skin to align with

the holes in the spar without too much pressure.  This really helped

with the alignment of the tank skin to LE skin correct prior to

drilling the W-423 joiner plates.  You can see the straps on the wings

here... http://www.rv7factory.com/log/060114.html



Good luck!



Brad Oliver

Livermore, CA | RV-7

www.RV7Factory.com

[quote] ------

sshook(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2006 10:40 am Post subject: Question about Tanks

When I do that I can close the gap where the main skin meets, I am concerned thought about stressing the skin when the tanks are mounted for good.  Also nothing seems to help the slight gap near the point of the leading edge.  

         

  

From: owner-rv7-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-rv7-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Dan Checkoway

 Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2006 11:26

 To: rv7-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: Re: Question about Tanks  

  

     

Push down harder on the tank.  I know that sounds too simple, but try it.    

    

   

    

)_( Dan  

    

RV-7 N714D  

    

www.rvproject.com / www.weathermeister.com  

  [quote]    

---

ceengland(at)bellsouth.ne
Guest

Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2006 11:02 am Post subject: Question about Tanks

Scott R. Shook wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   Fellow Builders,



 I have a dilemma, here is the synopsis…



 I am currently working on the Left Tank and I have already drilled my 

 Z brackets (thank you Dan for the easy way of doing it). I have 

 clecoed together the Tank and the rear baffle to the tank. When I put 

 the tank on the spar, there is a gap between the tank skin and top 

 main skin. The gap looks like its somewhere between 1/32 and 1/16. I 

 will see if I can get an exact measurement tonight, I am also going to 

 attach the bottom main skin and see how that looks before I move forward.



 I can also see where the holes that will be dimpled for the screws 

 along the top of the spar are not exactly lined up with the hole in 

 the nutplates (probably a distance equal to that gap I am talking 

 about). The bottom tank attach holes look like they are lined up fine.



 Also, the leading edge of the tank seems to sit about the thickness of 

 the skin higher than the leading edge (just at the forward most 

 portion where the tank and L/E meet). Other than that, there is no gap 

 along the seam between the tank and L/E.



 Any suggestions or insight will be greatly appreciated…Thank you



 Scott & Jenni



 RV-7A N696JS



 Working on left tank




	


Did you have any trouble getting clecos through the tank skin into the 

back baffle? Did all the clecos holding the skin to the ribs go in 

smoothly & remain perpendicular to the skin around them? (not likely  

) Have you built & installed the outboard leading edges yet? Did you see 

the same problem there?



If the rib flanges are standing up even a little it can push the baffle 

back a bit (will get worse when you put the proseal in there). It's been 

a while, but I think I saw something similar when I built my tanks, & 

leading edges, as well. I think I used ratcheting strap clamps, aligned 

over some of the ribs, to put some pressure on the tank/leading edge. 

Use 2/4's or something similar to protect the trailing edge of the wing 

skins & rear spar.



If moderate pressure on the straps pulls everything into alignment, try 

coaxing the LE rib flanges a bit, both around curved portions & the back 

flange.



Charlie

dan(at)rvproject.com
Guest

Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2006 11:11 am Post subject: Question about Tanks

Check to make sure your tank ribs are forced all  the way into the nose of the tank skin.  That's most likely what at least  part of the problem is.

  

 )_( Dan

  

 [quote]   ---

smittysrv

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 67

Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2006 11:18 am Post subject: Question about Tanks

Hi Scott,



I had the same problem with my RV-9A left tank. I put the 1/8 clecos into

every hole where the screws go into the spar nutplate holes. Then I started

pulling down on each cleco starting at one end and working my way down the

line. Eventually the tank skin came down into position. More about it at:



http://smittysrv.com/more_stuff.asp?ID=343



Have a goodun!

Smitty

http://SmittysRV.com

_________________
Smittys RV-9A
SmittysRV.com

Last edited by smittysrv on Thu Sep 21, 2006 12:01 pm; edited 1 time in total

Bob Collins

Joined: 11 Mar 2006
Posts: 470
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota

Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2006 11:39 am Post subject: Question about Tanks

I actually disco vered this little problem and provided the  solution to Van's some years ago.

  

 jack up the rear spar  and you'll hear it pop right  into place.

  

 there is a thread on the RV List some time ago where  someone ground down the bottom of his Z brackets. He didn't need to do that.  It's  the small sag in the middle that's causing your  problem.

  

 Bob

 st. Paul



   From: owner-rv7-list-server(at)matronics.com  [mailto:owner-rv7-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Dan  Checkoway

Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2006 1:26 PM

To:  rv7-list(at)matronics.com

Subject: Re: Question about  Tanks

 

 Push down harder on the tank.  I know that  sounds too simple, but try it.  

  

 )_( Dan

 RV-7 N714D

 www.rvproject.com / www.weathermeister.com

 [quote]   ---

_________________
Bob Collins
St. Paul, Minn.
Letters from Flyover Country
http://rvnewsletter.blogspot.com/

sshook(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2006 11:57 am Post subject: Question about Tanks

Actually the sag is not there, I have a jack screw in the center of the rear spar that brought everything nicely into place before I put the main skins on the skeleton.  I will however break out the fishing line again and make sure my spars have not moved since having the skins on and drilled.  

   

         

  

From: owner-rv7-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-rv7-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Bob Collins

 Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2006 12:37

 To: rv7-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: RE: Question about Tanks  

  

   

I actually disco vered this little problem and provided the solution to Van's some years ago.  

   

jack up the rear spar  and you'll hear it pop right into place.  

   

there is a thread on the RV List some time ago where someone ground down the bottom of his Z brackets. He didn't need to do that. It's  the small sag in the middle that's causing your problem.  

   

Bob  

st. Paul  

       

  

From: owner-rv7-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-rv7-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Dan Checkoway

 Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2006 1:26 PM

 To: rv7-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: Re: Question about Tanks    

Push down harder on the tank.  I know that sounds too simple, but try it.    

    

   

    

)_( Dan  

    

RV-7 N714D  

    

www.rvproject.com / www.weathermeister.com  

  [quote]    

---

sshook(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2006 12:14 pm Post subject: Question about Tanks

Thank you everyone for all the help and suggestions.  I think my first order of business is to pull the tank, take it apart and re-check all my rib flanges and hole alignment (especially around the nose).  I did in fact have trouble “wrestling” the tank together.    

   

I know that before the ribs went in; the pre-punched holes were triple checked for straightness.  I cleco clamped my ruler to them and they were dead nuts on.  

   

We certainly appreciate all the advice and help everyone offers.  

   

Scott & Jenni  

RV-7A N696JS  

Working on Left Tank  

         

  

From: owner-rv7-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-rv7-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Scott R. Shook

 Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2006 10:53

 To: rv7-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: Question about Tanks  

  

   

Fellow Builders,  

I have a dilemma, here is the synopsis…  

I am currently working on the Left Tank and I have already drilled my Z brackets (thank you Dan for the easy way of doing it).  I have clecoed together the Tank and the rear baffle to the tank.  When I put the tank on the spar, there is a gap between the tank skin and top main skin.  The gap looks like its somewhere between 1/32 and 1/16.  I will see if I can get an exact measurement tonight, I am also going to attach the bottom main skin and see how that looks before I move forward.    

I can also see where the holes that will be dimpled for the screws along the top of the spar are not exactly lined up with the hole in the nutplates (probably a distance equal to that gap I am talking about).  The bottom tank attach holes look like they are lined up fine.  

Also, the leading edge of the tank seems to sit about the thickness of the skin higher than the leading edge (just at the forward most portion where the tank and L/E meet).  Other than that, there is no gap along the seam between the tank and L/E.  

Any suggestions or insight will be greatly appreciated…Thank you  

Scott & Jenni  

RV-7A N696JS  

Working on left tank   	  Quote: 	
		     	
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       [quote][b]

Bob Collins

Joined: 11 Mar 2006
Posts: 470
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota

Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2006 12:15 pm Post subject: Question about Tanks

Yeah, so did I. But on the night went I couldn't get the  darned thing to come down properly, I gave it half a crank and heard a "pop" as  it fell into place. It's worth a try. it's worked for a lot of othr  folks.

  

  

 Bob



   From: owner-rv7-list-server(at)matronics.com  [mailto:owner-rv7-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Scott R.  Shook

Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2006 2:57 PM

To:  rv7-list(at)matronics.com

Subject: RE: Question about  Tanks

 

  

Actually the sag is not  there, I have a jack screw in the center of the rear spar that brought  everything nicely into place before I put the main skins on the skeleton.   I will however break out the fishing line again and make sure my spars have not  moved since having the skins on and drilled. 

  

     

 

From:  owner-rv7-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-rv7-list-server(at)matronics.com]  On Behalf Of Bob  Collins

Sent: Thursday,  September 21, 2006 12:37

To:  rv7-list(at)matronics.com

Subject:  RE: Question about Tanks

 

  

I actually disco vered  this little problem and provided the solution to Van's some years  ago. 

  

jack up the rear  spar  and you'll hear it pop right into place. 

  

there is a thread on  the RV List some time ago where someone ground down the bottom of his Z  brackets. He didn't need to do that. It's  the small sag in the middle  that's causing your problem. 

  

Bob 

st.  Paul 

    

 

From:  owner-rv7-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-rv7-list-server(at)matronics.com]  On Behalf Of Dan  Checkoway

Sent: Thursday,  September 21, 2006 1:26 PM

To:  rv7-list(at)matronics.com

Subject:  Re: Question about Tanks  

Push down harder on the tank.   I know that sounds too simple, but try it.   

  

 

  

)_(  Dan

  

RV-7  N714D

  

www.rvproject.com / www.weathermeister.com

 [quote]      

---

_________________
Bob Collins
St. Paul, Minn.
Letters from Flyover Country
http://rvnewsletter.blogspot.com/

Bob Collins

Joined: 11 Mar 2006
Posts: 470
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota

Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2006 12:17 pm Post subject: Question about Tanks

Is your gap the same all the way around? Especially along  the splice joint? Or does it widen (or lessen) along the length of the tank or  leading edge?

  

 Bob



   From: owner-rv7-list-server(at)matronics.com  [mailto:owner-rv7-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Scott R.  Shook

Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2006 2:57 PM

To:  rv7-list(at)matronics.com

Subject: RE: Question about  Tanks

 

  

Actually the sag is not  there, I have a jack screw in the center of the rear spar that brought  everything nicely into place before I put the main skins on the skeleton.   I will however break out the fishing line again and make sure my spars have not  moved since having the skins on and drilled. 

  

     

 

From:  owner-rv7-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-rv7-list-server(at)matronics.com]  On Behalf Of Bob  Collins

Sent: Thursday,  September 21, 2006 12:37

To:  rv7-list(at)matronics.com

Subject:  RE: Question about Tanks

 

  

I actually disco vered  this little problem and provided the solution to Van's some years  ago. 

  

jack up the rear  spar  and you'll hear it pop right into place. 

  

there is a thread on  the RV List some time ago where someone ground down the bottom of his Z  brackets. He didn't need to do that. It's  the small sag in the middle  that's causing your problem. 

  

Bob 

st.  Paul 

    

 

From:  owner-rv7-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-rv7-list-server(at)matronics.com]  On Behalf Of Dan  Checkoway

Sent: Thursday,  September 21, 2006 1:26 PM

To:  rv7-list(at)matronics.com

Subject:  Re: Question about Tanks  

Push down harder on the tank.   I know that sounds too simple, but try it.   

  

 

  

)_(  Dan

  

RV-7  N714D

  

www.rvproject.com / www.weathermeister.com

 [quote]      

---

_________________
Bob Collins
St. Paul, Minn.
Letters from Flyover Country
http://rvnewsletter.blogspot.com/

fstringham

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 87

Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2006 2:09 pm Post subject: Question about Tanks

Scott



It has been a while but I do remember I had a similar problem. I was able to 

get them to a 64th  gap. Was still determined to get them (aft edge tank to 

leading edge of top skin to meet. So I called Van's and got 

Ken................. he said , rather harshly, 'You don't want them to butt 

to each other". "Why" I asked. "Because the paint will crack along the seam 

line unless there is enoug room for the paint to fill the gap".  My plane 

isn't painted or flying yet so I can only take him at his word. I have found 

him always to be correct when I follow his advice. Plus I have found that 

many times I will take great pains to get everything nearly fiberglass 

smooth when clecoed only to have a bit of a shift during riveting. So get it 

close as possible with no stress and move on. Ain't it fun.



Frank (at) SGU and SLC.....wiring RV7A





[quote]From: "Scott R. Shook" <sshook(at)cox.net>

Reply-To: rv7-list(at)matronics.com

To: <rv7-list(at)matronics.com>

Subject: RE: Question about Tanks

Date: Thu, 21 Sep 2006 11:40:14 -0700



When I do that I can close the gap where the main skin meets, I am 

concerned

thought about stressing the skin when the tanks are mounted for good.  Also

nothing seems to help the slight gap near the point of the leading edge.



   _____



From: owner-rv7-list-server(at)matronics.com

[mailto:owner-rv7-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Dan Checkoway

Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2006 11:26

To: rv7-list(at)matronics.com

Subject: Re: Question about Tanks



Push down harder on the tank.  I know that sounds too simple, but try it.





)_( Dan



RV-7 N714D



www.rvproject.com / www.weathermeister.com



---

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