Right fuel tank stiffeners

February 15, 2011 – Well, it’s about time. I finally got started with the sealant!

But first, I installed the nutplates in the painted splice straps that go between the fixed leading edges and the fuel tanks. So those are done and out of the way for now. I’m debating whether to install them in the leading edges now, or leave that one rib out until after I rivet the leading edge ribs to the spars.

I installed the right tank stiffeners today. I started by clecoing the stiffeners in place, then I taped between them to keep a relatively clean sealant line when they are done.

I then used the back-riveter to install the stiffeners after they were gooped up with the sealant.

I used a syringe that I got at my local farm store. I filled it with sealant and put a bead around the edges of the stiffeners. Spread it with a finger wet with acetone. I also cap-sealed the rivets before I removed the tape.

Time: 3:45