Thought I’d pass a quick tip along for those about to work your fuel tank Z-brackets.
This weekend, I followed Van’s directions and used the soft blind rivets to temporarily fasten the Z bracket to the fuel tank baffle. This worked OK until it came time to drill them out. Then I had a problem with the mandrel (i.e. the rod part left in the rivet) being flush or sticking above the surface – and that prevented me from getting an accurate center hole when drilling it out. Rather than think about it – I just pressed onward. So, my right tank will now get 3/16” blind rivets instead of the 1/8” on the outside ends of the Z brackets
But on my left tank – I thought I’d try and use a center punch to give me a better starting point. I clecoed the Z bracket on – and gave a light tap on the punch with a hammer. Instead of making a point mark – the mandrel was pushed down into the joint. This left a GREAT centering hole for the drill.
I may still use the larger rivets on the outside ends of the Z brackets, but the 2nd tank was easier & faster to drill out…..
Lorin D
9A Wings
(N194LD reserved)
