Center section tank straps

[LarryM]

How are your center section gas tank straps attached to the airframe? Did you drill holes in the spar?

[Richard Roller]

In the case of N34KP the tank is held in by the aluminum tank cover with a row of screws around the cover. There are wedges under the tank and felt strips on top of the tank for a snug fit in the center section, for no tank movement.

[Richard Roller]

One suggestion, if you haven't already built your tank. If I were building a tank I would put the filler on either the left or right side of the tank instead of the middle. When filling the tank as built it is difficult to see the fuel level as you fill. On N34KP this has resulted in numerous overfills over the years, resulting in a fuel spill running into the rear cockpit. If there is a seat pad or maps or anything in the cockpit it makes a mess. I have to remove the seat pad everytime I fuel, to be on the safe side.

[Rob]

I did mine the same way. Felt under around around tank for tight fit. Felt on top with cover holding everything in.

[Richard Roller]

Looks good Rob. How goes your Piet?

[Rob]

Thanks Richard, it’s getting closer. Wings, ailerons, center section, and all tail feathers are finished. Down to finishing fuselage.

[taildrags]

Beautiful work!

-Oscar

[Rob]

Thanks Oscar

[LarryM]

I’ve pumped my fair share of avgas.

[taildrags]

Yes, I've pumped my share of avgas too. My plane's tank is in the nose but it's still a bit of a pain to get the ladder in close enough so I can see down into the filler neck, while not bumping the plane with the ladder. Wing centersection tank builders should go for that filler offset for sure.

-Oscar