Wings Off
So with the flaps & wing root fairings fitted, I can remove the wings and finish up a couple details. After Pam helped me slide each wing out of the fuselage I started doing the platenuts that anchor the wing root fairing in place. That’s when my trusty Avery rivet Squeezer started acting up. I took it apart to find the little threaded part had sheared in two. Great. $26 later I was back in business.
So after all the wing root area platenuts were finally done, I tested the fuel tanks for leaks. I had closed them up long ago, but never tested them. So I installed the fuel drains, taped over the fuel cap so it was air tight, plugged the fuel inlet, and added a test line to the vent fitting. I hooked that up to a modified blood pressure cuff and inflated it to 30 mmHg. It held that pressure overnight, so I was satisfied the fuel tank was sound.
While the fuel tank sat, I got out the proseal and did several small things on the fuselage. I used it to attach the rudder cable fairings, seal the recess in the firewall, attached the fresh air NACA vents, plug the pilot holes where the side steps would be (not gonna do it), and finally, I prosealed the center seam in the cabin frame (roll over bar). I’ve read it makes a real good rain gutter, so I waterproofed it. Pretty versatile, that proseal is!
