Brief Description: Sealing left tank end rib components
The next step in my tank construction was sealing some of the end rib components. I have opted to assemble the tank mounting bracket and nose reinforcement plates before installing the end ribs in the tank skins. This will require using a few pop rivets in the extreme leading edge of the root end rib when installing in the tank. The pictures below show the inside and outside of the end ribs with the bracket, reinforcement plates, tooling hole patch, and access plate reinforcment rings installed.
You will note, I have concentrated on sealing the inside surfaces and have kept the outside of the ribs relatively clean at this point. I know many builders put a lot of sealer on the outside of these ribs as well, but I am not convinced this is necessary if the inside is properly coated.
I would welcome any builder comments related to sealing the outside of these ribs. You will note, I have yet to install the vent line fitting in the root rib. I will install this fitting in my next shop session.
