6
Position the center tank on top of the intakes, far enough aft of
the canopy area to allow clearance for the fuel lines.
Fashion a rear tank support from ¼” scrap ply and position it on
top of the intake extension. You will need to radius this piece
slightly with a Dremel tool to match the incline of the extension
tube.
photos 5 and 6 – rear and front center tank supports
Check the position of the tank once more with the engine hatch
in place. When satisfied, tack glue the tank support in place
with a few drops of CA (
photo 5
).
Shape a front tank support from scrap ply. The ply piece will be
glued between the intakes and should be notched at the top to
keep the tank from slipping forward during flight (
photo 6
).
Secure with a few drops of CA.
photo 7 – Aeropoxy tanks supports in place
Remove the center tank and secure these tanks supports in
place with a generous amount of Aeropoxy (
photo 7
).
There are various ways to secure the intake in place to keep it
from sliding toward the rear of the plane, but the simple way to
do it is to attach it to the forward former with wire ties. This
makes it immediately removable in the event the saddle tanks
must be serviced (
photo 8
).
Fashion a rear tank stop from scrap wood and attach it to the
intake at this point. Secure with Aeropoxy. Replace the center
tank and secure the Velcro hold-down strap. (
photo 9
).
Check the fuel lines for nicks and cuts as you proceed through the
next steps.
Connect the two fuel pickup lines from the saddle tanks together
with a “T” fitting.