Match-Drilled all of the R Tank Attach Brackets to the Baffle. Deburred the Brackets and temporarily riveted the Brackets through the baffle and into the Aft Rib Flanges in order to test mount the tank on the R Main Wing Spar. Upon mounting the tank I found that the 18 inboard toppside clecos, when inserted in the skin->main spar flange, did not clear the inboard main spar stiffener. This could potentially be a real problem.I don't know if the spar stiffener is too think or if the skin holes are positioned incorrectly. I will take more measurments and call Van's builder support if necessary. I did call Van's and spoke with Eric. He stated that he had never seen this problem but after some discussion and more measuremnets, he suggested that I try to determine if the driven rivet shop heads would clear the spar's stiffener. The end of the cleco does protrude further than the shop head of the rivet, so it should be enough to clear. The final test: I riveted in six rivets along the 18 holes of the tank skin in question and re-mounted the tank. Voilá. The rivet shop heads cleared the Spar by about 3/32"... more than enough. I'll have to drill out these 6 rivets before finishing and sealing the tank. A small price to pay to know that it will all fit correctly.
