Monday, October 12, 2015

More Canopy Sanding & Baffles Added To Fuel Tank

Was hoping to get more accomplished today, but did get the T-1204B fuel flange riveted onto the T-1204A top tank skin and both of the T-1207 & T-1208 internal baffles riveted in place … along with sanding the microsphere filler on the canopy fairing lay-up to ready it for another thin application of filler.

Mike K. was lending assistance and as we were about to mix the fuel tank sealant to begin phase three of the fuel tank assembly, Bernie came by the hangar.  When dealing with the fuel tank sealant, extra help is always welcomed. The mating surfaces of the T-1207 and T-1208 internal baffles were cleaned with Acetone and the fuel tank sealant was applied to the mating surfaces. Once again a syringe was used to apply the sealant to the mating surfaces then it was spread out using a tongue depressor that had the tip cut off to create a straight edge. Have to say, although not necessary, using a syringe to apply the fuel tank sealant works quite well … and gets two thumbs up from me.
The T-1207 and T-1208 internal baffles coated with fuel tank sealant and riveted in place.

After the internal baffles are riveted in place, care needs to be taken to verify the fuel passages are clear of fuel tank sealant. Basically, the lower corners of the chamber created by the baffles around the fuel fittings have four small openings … the builder needs to verify these openings are open and free of fuel tank sealant.

While the fuel tank sealant was allowed to cure, rolled the fuselage outside so the microsphere filler could be sanded smooth. More thin applications will be necessary … however, thus far the canopy fairing is getting smooth to the touch and the low spots are quickly diminishing in number.
“Doctor Sander” the patient looks blotchy what gives? “The smooth white areas are the microsphere filler building up low spots in the lay-up. Dull gray areas are where the sanding block has cut into the black resin undercoating … dark black areas represent spots that the sandpaper is missing, thus they require more filler”.

1 comment:

  1. I'd like to know the size of the syringes you're using and where you got them. Thanks for going into such detail in your blog. Most helpful.

    Jerre Hill

    ReplyDelete