Brief Description: Fuel Tanks and Tank Braces Installation
I couldn’t reinstall the fuel tanks until the bubble was installed because some of the mounting screws get buried behind the tanks.
I got the fuel tanks into position and started strapping them into place. This was actually more complicated than you would think because there are cross braces that need to be installed onto the strap bolts. One brace connects the tanks together, and the final brace connects the tanks to the tail boom for support.
The other issue with these stainless steel brackets, if you remember, is that I made them a while ago with my 20-ton press and had to guess a little about their final size and installation location since the fuel tanks were really just resting in place when they were mounted back at the house shop. I had no idea if they were really going to fit, or if I was going to need to remake them. I didn’t want to stress the straps to the tanks, or scratch the paint when I knew they were coming off again, although I probably should have.
To my surprise, the braces fit perfectly, and the tanks are solidly in place!
