Fuel tank roughing for pro-seal?

[RV7A]

I am ready to start pro-sealing my wing tanks together. I am wondering what grit sandpaper to use to rough up the areas where the parts get pro-sealed together?

From looking at pics online, it looks like people are roughing these areas up a lot-maybe 220 grit?

Thanks

[leffler]

I would say that a maroon scotchbrite pad is more commonly used than sandpaper.

[bruceh]

I taped off the surfaces that got sealant and went at it with the maroon scotchbrite pads. Clean the surfaces with a paper towel and acetone or MEK until there is no residue. Wear gloves so you don't contaminate the surfaces with your fingers. After you butter up the ribs and get them in place you can come back with a popsicle stick and put a nice smooth fillet of proseal up against each rib, then pull the tape for a nice and clean installation.

Lots of photos and tips on my web page.

[bruceh]

duplicate post....

[BSwayze]

I bought a slotted scotchbrite pad holder for my die grinder. It's the best tool for this! You cut strips of scotchbrite, slide one into the slot, and tighten the retainer nut. Tape off areas you don't want scuffed up, as others have said, and this will get the job done in a hurry. I went at it one direction, then again at a 90° angle. Then clean it thoroughly as Bruce said.

[DaAV8R]

Well I'll be a monkey's uncle.

Bruce....Where did you get that? Even though I'm about done scuffing parts, I think I want one. It just seems like a guy ought to own the tool that could have saved him about 30 man hours. Let me guess, it's $1.39

What other tools are you keeping secret that might save a few hundred hours?

For large areas I have been using a full scotchbrite sheet under a vibrating sander. Gets a large area done in short order.

Robert

[TomNativeNewYorker]

Bruce....Where did you get that? Even though I'm about done scuffing parts, I think I want one. It just seems like a guy ought to own the tool that could have saved him about 30 man hours. Let me guess, it's $1.39

3M makes those mandrels for scotch brite strips.

I have the federal NSN numbers for anyone who can order through the federal supply system

[TomNativeNewYorker]

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/e ... H008RDX7bl

[BSwayze]

Bruce....Where did you get that? Even though I'm about done scuffing parts, I think I want one. It just seems like a guy ought to own the tool that could have saved him about 30 man hours. Let me guess, it's $1.39
Robert

Robert, sorry it took me a little while here. I couldn't remember for sure where I got it or what I paid. So I pulled a file of receipts I keep for all my tool purchases and looked it up. My memory was hazy but correct, Cleaveland Tools carries this item. Here's a link that should take you right to it:

http://www.cleavelandtool.com/prodinfo. ... ber=3MM300

Sadly, it did cost a bit more than $1.39. Ha! My receipt shows that I bought it in August 2006 and paid $5.50 for it! The price seems to have gone up quite a bit since then, but still a good tool to have, I think. I used it in other areas along the way, but it was most useful inside the fuel tank skins as I showed earlier.