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IMG_7005
 
The space with the aileron tie rod and starboard side support removed.
 
Date: 10/22/2013
 
Views: 8228
 
 
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IMG_7014
 
Next catch was where the filler needed to go into its' position.  There was a piece blocking which had to be removed.
 
Date: 10/23/2013
 
Views: 9837
 
 
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IMG_6984
 
But there's no way to get it in.  It is too wide to go between the door sills.
 
Date: 10/21/2013
 
Views: 7719
 
 
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IMG_6985
 
And no amount of "coaxing" will prevail allowing entrance.
 
Date: 10/21/2013
 
Views: 7543
 
 
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IMG_6989
 
In addition, the aileron tie rod between the sticks is in the way and will have to come out.
 
Date: 10/21/2013
 
Views: 9967
 
 
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IMG_6991
 
Finally, that fore-aft support piece is also in the way and will have to come out.
 
Date: 10/21/2013
 
Views: 8056
 
 
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IMG_6982
 
The tank must go into this space.
 
Date: 10/21/2013
 
Views: 9810
 
 
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IMG_6973
 
In this view fore is down, aft is up, port to the right and starboard to the left.
 
Date: 10/18/2013
 
Views: 7220
 
 
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IMG_6973_em_sa
 
Here I have annotated the important elements.  The red outlines the fiberglass support bonded to the bottom of the tank.  Blue arrow points to the blue crack.  The crack formed exactly as a stress analysis says it should, at 45ยบ to the corner of that supp
 
Date: 10/18/2013
 
Views: 7296
 
 
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IMG_6975
 
The crack as viewed from the underside.  it is about 1 5/8 in (4 cm) long and 1/32 in (1 mm) wide.  Notice the blue staining on the underside surface.
 
Date: 10/19/2013
 
Views: 9042
 
 
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IMG_6978
 
The crack as viewed from the top side.  
 
Date: 10/19/2013
 
Views: 7607
 
 
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IMG_6972
 
Standing on the port side looking down into the tank.  The leak is that blue line with the lighter blue background.
 
Date: 10/18/2013
 
Views: 7642
 
 
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IMG_6977
 
The white stuff you see is low-expansion foam that was squirted in to provide support so this wouldn't happen.  Unfortunately, I could not get foam under the port side sufficiently to support that side.  That's where the crack developed.
 
Date: 10/19/2013
 
Views: 8021
 
 
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IMG_6969
 
The top of the back rest removed.  The rotary tool could not get into the area on the sides.  A hacksaw blade was recruited for that effort.  And it was an effort!
 
Date: 10/18/2013
 
Views: 8285
 
 
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IMG_6971
 
The top of the old tank exposed.  At this point the rotary tool was used to attack the old tank.  
 
Date: 10/18/2013
 
Views: 7335
 
 
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IMG_6976
 
At this point all that's left is that portion of the tank which was bonded to the back of the back rest.
 
Date: 10/19/2013
 
Views: 7451
 
 
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IMG_6962
 
The cut on the front side
 
Date: 10/17/2013
 
Views: 8625
 
 
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IMG_6966
 
Selfie of the protective gear needed.  There was a LOT of fiberglass dust flying during the cutting.
 
Date: 10/17/2013
 
Views: 8050
 
 
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IMG_6958
 
Tear out the interior to gain access to the upper part of the back where the fuel tank resides.
 
Date: 10/17/2013
 
Views: 8161
 
 
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IMG_6960
 
The rotary tool that did most of the cutting.  Front and rear sides of the back rest.
 
Date: 10/17/2013
 
Views: 7407
 
 
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