Day 57

Today we worked on mounting the left wing long range tank and set the top skin in place.

There were some challenges to getting the long range tank to mount properly. There are 4 bolts that go out from the inside of the main spar, as well as a few rivets, that mount the tank to the wing. To get all of them to line up and get the bolts to thread without cross threading them took some work. After a while we were able to get all of the bolts in, as well as the rivets.

After the back of the tank was mounted, then we could cleco on the top skin and the leading edge of the fuel tank. (Both top and lower sides) Before it was Cleco’ed, the top skin had to have the protective plastic sheeting removed from both sides. Then the up side was cleaned with acetone, scuffed, and cleaned again. There were also 3 support channels that run the length of the wing that have to be placed and Cleco’ed before the rest of the wing is set in place.

Once the top skin and fuel tables were satisfactory in their alignment, we were able to rivet on the fuel tanks where they mount to the top and bottom of the main spar. First the holes were clear drilled and de-bured before placing and pulling the rivets.

Tomorrow we’ll be able to finish riveting on the left wing top skin and move onto the right wing.