RivetBangers.com

Posted: **Sun Jun 25, 2006 10:20 pm**

They're done!!! I still have to install the access plates, but I'm waiting for my shipment from Vans for the T-411 plate to put 'em in. I worked on these things for 8 hours today to get them done!

Some quick factoids about the rivet count to this point-
There are 1,174 rivets in the -7 tanks!

There are 4,052 rivets set in the kit to this stage!!

Posted: **Sun Jun 25, 2006 11:22 pm**

Chad -

Congrats!! - & looking good!!
Let us know how the pressure testing goes....

Unfortunately - I ran out of ProSeal at the very last stage on my tanks - so now I need to order a small amount more to fill in a few external corners & a couple of rivet heads. ARRRRGGH!!!!! I only needed ~ a golfball size more ... but I coudn't milk it out of the can.

So, I'll order a small amount.
I know I'l need it on a few more trailing edges....

Lorin D
9A Wings

Posted: **Sun Jun 25, 2006 11:23 pm**

Your moving right along there! Congrats on the tanks. It has to feel good to get them done and behind you.

I got started on mine this weekend but the week ahead looks to be really busy so I probably won't get much done this week.

Posted: **Mon Jun 26, 2006 4:58 am**

WOW CHAD!!!

That is some kinda WICKED SPEED!!!

It took me WAAAY too long to do mine...

Way to go!

CJ

Posted: **Mon Jun 26, 2006 4:41 pm**

Cool stuff Chad... I now have tank-envy!

On a somewhat related note, I finally met one of my new neighbors. I had heard from another neighbor that he was "really into airplanes" but turns out he is a pilot, A&P and a flight systems engineer. He said, "I am an excellent bucker, how about we get started on your tanks next week?". How can I turn down an offer like that.

Cheers,
Brad Oliver
RV-7 Livermore, CA
www.RV7Factory.com

Posted: **Mon Jun 26, 2006 4:48 pm**

Brad -
Now I have neighbor-envy

Lorin D
9A Wings

Posted: **Mon Jun 26, 2006 4:49 pm**

No kidding! Me too!

Posted: **Mon Jun 26, 2006 4:52 pm**

Lorin Dueck wrote:So, I'll order a small amount.
I know I'l need it on a few more trailing edges....

Lorin, I have some, if you feel like making the drive, you are welcome to take what you need.

Posted: **Mon Jun 26, 2006 4:54 pm**

Lorin Dueck wrote:Brad -
Now I have neighbor-envy

LOL! I don't think his wife is too happy that I moved in, she said "Oh great, just one more thing to keep him from getting to the yard".

Posted: **Thu Jun 29, 2006 4:53 pm**

Done. Got my order from Vans, and the plates are in and sealed. Now I'll let the sealant cure until after Oshkosh, then leak test 'em!:o

Posted: **Thu Jun 29, 2006 5:36 pm**

THEY LOOK GREAT CHAD!!!

...did you take them to work with you to finish them so fast?!?

- Peter

Posted: **Thu Jun 29, 2006 7:24 pm**

Looks great Chad!

I am getting ready to dunk mine in my buddy's pool for the final check. After that, I can build the cradle and flip them over to attach the ailerons and flaps!

CJ

Posted: **Thu Jun 29, 2006 8:00 pm**

I'm not sure what happened on my website a few minutes ago, but the two pics that I posted here, were suddenly changed to two different pictures from earlier in the month...at least on my screen. Did anybody see the other two pics? They were of the anti hangup bracket and the flop tube fitting. They are corrected now, but I had to go in to my website program and rename the pics. Weird.

Posted: **Thu Jun 29, 2006 8:10 pm**

captain_john wrote:Looks great Chad!

I am getting ready to dunk mine in my buddy's pool for the final check. After that, I can build the cradle and flip them over to attach the ailerons and flaps!

CJ

How are you gonna dunk them?
Won't it be pretty hard to push them under if they are sealed and full of air? Are you worried about how much pressure that might create (I'm guessing a foot or two under the water is more than a couple psi ... not sure, though...)?

Thomas
-8 wings

Posted: **Thu Jun 29, 2006 8:22 pm**

I don't think they will be that hard to submerge. I don't plan on submerging them totally anyways, but if I can... I will!

I am thinking of holding them under while examining them for bubbles.

If anything, it will be an interesting mini experiment!

I will letcha know what happens!

CJ

Posted: **Thu Jun 29, 2006 8:34 pm**

captain_john wrote:I am thinking of holding them under while examining them for bubbles.

I gotta see this, pictures please. Oh wait, it might involve you in a bathing suit, never mind.

- Brad

Posted: **Thu Jun 29, 2006 9:08 pm**

True... it MIGHT!!!

Pick up da phone!!!

CJ

Posted: **Thu Jun 29, 2006 11:20 pm**

Hard to submerge? Nah, CJ will just invite me over

Posted: **Fri Jun 30, 2006 12:34 am**

Since water weighs about 8 lbs. per gallon, sinking a 21 gallon tank is going to require 168 pounds of force, including the weight of the tank. But I'm not sure that it's going to cooperate with you if you just sit on it; maybe it will want to dunk you under and keep itself on top of the water. Should be an interesting experiment. Let us know how it works out!

Posted: **Fri Jun 30, 2006 7:39 am**

168 lbs of force? pfft! I had that covered in 8th grade

I see what you mean about it beeing squirmy though.

Isn't there a way to put a couple of psi of air in the tank and see if it holds? Some soapy water would certainly show any leaks.

RivetBangers.com

Fuel Tanks: Mission Complete!!

Fuel Tanks: Mission Complete!!

Wow!

Congrats