Metalized Wing fuel tank cover

[6643]

Nonetheless, CAA designee signed it off as approved for return to service in block 6. Block 7 accepted by the CAA aviation safety agent.

OK, that's an older form 337. Does it have anything written on the back?

[dcannon]

Nonetheless, CAA designee signed it off as approved for return to service in block 6. Block 7 accepted by the CAA aviation safety agent.

OK, that's an older form 337. Does it have anything written on the back?

Yes, form ACA-337 (4-52). On the back is block 8, description of work accomplished. It contains a weight and balance table and the text "Fabric removed and 020 metal installed"

[6843]

Dan, Did you have a chance to look to see if the portion (about 3/8") of the tank cover that slides underneath the fuselage top skin is riveted to the butt rib on your plane?

Thanks,
Dave

[dcannon]

Dave, my apologies. Forgot, then got busy, haven't been to the hangar in a while. Im trying to visualize what you are describing. Ive never had the tank cover off in the few years Ive owned it. Cover does slide under inboard panel but confirming whether it is then riveted to the rib I think would require some disassembly?

Does this image help? All PK screws securing the cover

Screenshot_20250823_121151_Photos.jpg (38.39 KiB) Viewed 1512 times

Screenshot_20250823_120819_Photos.jpg (38.25 KiB) Viewed 1512 times

[dcannon]

PS Can I get you this info by removing the wing root fairing?

[6843]

Dan,

Wow! your plane looks great! I don't think you can see anything by removing the fairing. If their were rivets, unless they were flush rivets, you'd see the cabin skin sit off the surface of the wing by the height of the rivet heads. I don't see that in your pictures so I'm thinking it's not riveted. I'm thinking more and more about using machine screws but still haven't convinced myself cutting the threads won't cause spar cracks down the road.

I appreciate your sending the pictures.

Dave

[ken_k]

The 1946 140 I used to own had metalized wings before I installed fabric wings sometime later. The fuel tank covers were attached with screws and the panel slipped under the top skin of the cockpit. The skin was drilled at each screw location with an oversized hole to allow removal of the screws and panel without removing the wings.