I started today by fitting the combing temporarily. Then using the filler cap template made previously to guide a holesaw I cut through the combing at an angle where the filler neck of the tank should fit. The tank was then installed to check the fit and the filler neck marked for final length. Once the neck was cut to size the tank was replaced and using the template as a surrogate for the window it was possible to check that the filler cap will sit nicely flush on the windscreen. The hole through the combing will be lined with some plastic edging to protect the silicon rubber connecting tube. With this job complete the tank can now be safe stored until the painting starts.In order to give the brain a rest I then decided to make a start on the preparations for fitting the remaining stringers to the fuselage. First 20 or so 1-1/2" sections of 5/8" * 0.035" tubing were cut in half to make 40 stringer support mounts. Four of these were welded to short lengths of tubing which will act as stand-offs for the stringers under the fuselage to clear the control column torque tube. Eight 1-1/2" lengths of 3/8" * 0.035" tubing were also cut to act as the front supports for the stringers. Two of these were welded each side to the back of the rear door posts and two either side of centre of the top cross member at the rear of the cabin - just visible in the last photo. The remaining two will weld to the lower stringer support cross member at station 18" just behind the firewall on the bottom of the fuselage but I need to get some more stainless steel channel to make this.
