Center section tank straps

Discussion area for builders of Pietenpol aircraft, both beginners and experienced folks. Share ideas, ask questions and help build the Pietenpol community.
Post Reply
LarryM
Posts: 15
Joined: Sat Aug 12, 2017 12:09 pm

Center section tank straps

Post by LarryM »

How are your center section gas tank straps attached to the airframe? Did you drill holes in the spar?
User avatar
Richard Roller
Posts: 240
Joined: Mon May 22, 2017 11:14 am
Location: Olathe, Ks.

Re: Center section tank straps

Post by 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.
IMG_20220124_124011.jpg
IMG_20220123_133046.jpg
IMG_20220124_124939.jpg
User avatar
Richard Roller
Posts: 240
Joined: Mon May 22, 2017 11:14 am
Location: Olathe, Ks.

Re: Center section tank straps

Post by 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
Posts: 19
Joined: Wed Feb 22, 2017 6:34 am

Re: Center section tank straps

Post by Rob »

I did mine the same way. Felt under around around tank for tight fit. Felt on top with cover holding everything in.
Attachments
A78F6C9B-0A60-4D94-9017-5D62C84AF52E.jpeg
9A650A82-F717-40EE-BA1A-8520E77A85FE.jpeg
8F3F8342-CC3E-4EA1-A0E0-EA0B1B946763.jpeg
Rob Stoinoff
Owner Stoinoff's Restorations
Batesville, Indiana
www.stoinoff.com
User avatar
Richard Roller
Posts: 240
Joined: Mon May 22, 2017 11:14 am
Location: Olathe, Ks.

Re: Center section tank straps

Post by Richard Roller »

Looks good Rob. How goes your Piet?
Rob
Posts: 19
Joined: Wed Feb 22, 2017 6:34 am

Re: Center section tank straps

Post by Rob »

Thanks Richard, it’s getting closer. Wings, ailerons, center section, and all tail feathers are finished. Down to finishing fuselage.
Attachments
0CE2AE0E-C37D-419E-87F4-3273A0A049C1.jpeg
CA6A3128-046E-4BAC-9D15-DF1423E65725.jpeg
BC8167B7-C3AC-4F6E-B7EE-BFFBE34B0A56.jpeg
Rob Stoinoff
Owner Stoinoff's Restorations
Batesville, Indiana
www.stoinoff.com
User avatar
taildrags
Posts: 637
Joined: Tue Mar 07, 2017 10:39 pm

Re: Center section tank straps

Post by taildrags »

Beautiful work!

-Oscar
Rob
Posts: 19
Joined: Wed Feb 22, 2017 6:34 am

Re: Center section tank straps

Post by Rob »

Thanks Oscar
Rob Stoinoff
Owner Stoinoff's Restorations
Batesville, Indiana
www.stoinoff.com
LarryM
Posts: 15
Joined: Sat Aug 12, 2017 12:09 pm

Re: Center section tank straps

Post by LarryM »

I’ve pumped my fair share of avgas. :D
Attachments
2709440F-B914-4661-9FB3-2322A7C6F66D.jpeg
User avatar
taildrags
Posts: 637
Joined: Tue Mar 07, 2017 10:39 pm

Re: Center section tank straps

Post by 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
Post Reply