Brief Description: Starboard tank fitting and top skin preparation
I spent additional time today fitting the starboard fuel tank. It doesn't fit quite as well as the port side tank. The skin edge of the tank that mates to the leading edge assembly is a bit too snug and needs to be relieved slightly. When the tank is removed later for the leak test I plan to remove a little metal with a sanding block and scotchbrite wheel (just a little). Also, the seam where the tank skin butts against the top skins could be better. There is a very slight gap probably resulting from just a little too much sealant between the baffle, rib flanges, and or Z brackets. It probably won't be evident once the paint (invasion stripes) is applied.
I dropped some plumb lines to check for wing twist and found no significant twist. Last task for the day was to lightly dress each rivet dimple with a deburring tool, insert the appropriate rivets, and apply some magic tape to hold them in place. The skins are now ready to rivet. I just need to check Connie's schedule to see when she can help with the riveting.
Once the top skins are riveted, I will remove the tank and do the leak test. The tank will then be fitted once again to the wing and the entire structure will be moved to my workbench for installation of the aileron brackets, flap brace, and aileron gap seal.
