Started the sticky stuff!

JohnR · Post by **JohnR** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 6:07 pm

Well today I started with the ProSeal. I got every thing ready and did the stiffeners, drain and fuel opening on the left wing. This stuff is really sticky but it is not as bad to work with as I thought it might be. I cut up a bunch of 3x3 patches of cloth and put them in a container with acetone. Between riveting I would just grab one, wipe things down, then on to the next item.

Now the ribs could be different, we'll see.

Luek was gone today and when he came home he stopped out and took a look. His comment was "Looks like you don't want it to leak." He is right, I don't. Maybe it isn't a good idea but when in doubt I just added a little more sealer.

It doesn;t look real pretty but I think it will hold fuel!

Lorin Dueck · Post by **Lorin Dueck** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 7:23 pm

John -

Looking GREAT!!
I think the idea of having a bunch of cloth swatches handy is brilliant!

Did you remember to clean the rivets first and then roll each one before you riveted??

Nice job on the fuel cap, too!!

Lorin D
9A Wings

PS - are you going to follow Chad's method of ProSeal everything first - cleco (with the "nut trick") and set... or go Van's method were the whole shop becomes a ProSeal mess ....

JohnR · Post by **JohnR** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 11:27 pm

Thanks Lorin.

I got the idea of the swatches from another builder and it pretty much saves the day on this stuff. The rivets were soaked in laquer thinner and then dried so they should eb pretty oil free and clean.

The fuel cap was the most difficult for me. The slightly curved surface made it interesting. Then of course I riveted it on and forgot the bracket for the vent tube so had to drill that rivet out and do it again.

I have not decided which way to go on the tanks. Chad's method or the old school method. I got quite a bit of ProSeal that came out when I riveted vs the clecos being in place. I will probably try old school first then decide. I'll get Luek ot run the gun and I'll buck probably. It shouldn't be that bad. Maybe only half the shop will get prosealed!

Lorin Dueck · Post by **Lorin Dueck** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 11:54 pm

John
Take comfort... You aren't the only guy to forget the clip.
Check out Mike's EXCELLENT site:

http://www.my9a.com/wings7.asp

BTW - I remembered - but almost put it on the WRONG END!!!

Good thing I checked twice before committing my work...

Lorin D
9A Wings

PS -
Chad seems REALLY happy with his alternate method of sealing...
You may want to message him and get the inside skinny...

JohnR · Post by **JohnR** » Thu Jul 06, 2006 11:47 pm

Thought I would provide an update on my tanks.

Luke and I got the left one done all except the end rib with the access plate and the baffle. It actually has gone very well and not all that messy. Luke has been bucking and I have been shooting and it has taken about 45 minutes per rib to do them wet.

We are probably using more proseal than we need to but I don't think they will leak. At least I sure hope not.

Hopefully we will get some more work done on them this weekend and I can get some photos. We did get the LE and top skins riverted on the left wing. Looks great without the porcipine look of the clecos!