Wing/tank build order?

RV7A · Post by **RV7A** » Sun Jan 13, 2013 10:27 am

It's been a while since I've done any work on the RV. With the cold weather, I just lost motivation. We've had some warm days here in Michigan so I've been trying to get back at it.

The worst aprt about taking time off is figuring out where I was at the last time I was working on it!

Would you guys recommend that I fully build and rivet the leading edges of the wings before I tackle the fuel tanks? I beleive the manual has me building the tanks first, but I'm thinking that building the leading edges first would at least get me some experience riveting those leading edge ribs.

What order did you all complete the wing/tank?

bruceh · Post by **bruceh** » Sun Jan 13, 2013 11:08 am

I don't think it matters. Save the splice strip until you have both the leading edge and tank done.

Here in San Diego, we have been having a real cold snap. My garage temp is down to the mid-40's. It is hard to get out there and work. I can't imagine what you northerner's go through. I'm such a cold weather wimp.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Sun Jan 13, 2013 6:27 pm

I forget which came first but I just follow the plans.

If I didn't follow the plans and check off one item at a time, I would be lost!

Tanks can be done at anytime though!

Just get something done!!! Like I always say, Nuttin' to it but ta DO IT!!!

Yah, I have some extreme heat in my shop. I just don't like firing it up when I have to lift the temps like 50 degrees or so...

I hear ya!

CJ

Post by **bullojm1** » Mon Jan 14, 2013 8:49 am

I believe the instructions call for the tanks to be done first, then the leading edges.....only because that's the order I put them all together:

http://rvplane.com/?categoryid=3

I don't think it quite matters the order though -- Like CJ said-- it doesn't matter what you work on, just as long as you work on something. If the tanks intimidate you because of all the nasty pro-seal stories you have heard, don't let them get to you. I found the tanks to be very enjoyable. There are a lot of things on the RV that the internet communities have turned into monsters - Fuel Tanks, Canopy, cowling, etc.. All of these things I found to be quite fun and rewarding to finish up. Most of the time, the bark is worse than the bite!

smittysrv · Post by **smittysrv** » Mon Jan 14, 2013 9:00 am

Here's mine. It's seemed the most logical steps to take for me.

http://www.smittysrv.com/more_stuff.asp ... Section=41

RV7A · Post by **RV7A** » Mon Jan 14, 2013 4:25 pm

Thanks-I'll continue with the tanks then. I have them almost ready to go. I have to scuff the inside of the right tank skin where the pro-seal and ribs meet and then it's about ready to the dreaded pro-seal nightmares LOL.

Oh wait, I have to dimple all the holes first...

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Mon Jan 14, 2013 9:10 pm

Oh it's not that bad!

Nuttin' to it but ta do it!!!

Git 'er done!

CJ

Wicked Stick · Post by **Wicked Stick** » Mon Jan 14, 2013 9:38 pm

RV7A wrote:Thanks-I'll continue with the tanks then. I have them almost ready to go. I have to scuff the inside of the right tank skin where the pro-seal and ribs meet and then it's about ready to the dreaded pro-seal nightmares LOL.

Oh wait, I have to dimple all the holes first...

Scuff it up before dimpling, that way you have a flat surface to scuff up instead of having to make sure the areas around the dimple get scuffed properly.

RV7A · Post by **RV7A** » Fri Jan 18, 2013 9:19 am

Dave that's a great tip. That's exactly why I haven't dimpled yet!