wing tank, wing struts and instruments

[Ron]

Do any of you "smarter that I" folks know how to shrink the top & bottom of a wing tank to take the bulge out of it? With the tank in place as high as it can go, the fabric will still touch the low sump part of the tank on the underside of the wing.
Also, I am in need of all struts as well as the leading edge skins, L & R, for the tip ends where it curves around.
Lastly, I need instruments that look like the original ones. Anyone know of a source for them?
Thanks for any help...........Ron Chicago area 1941

[Richard Boyer]

Re: wing tank, wing struts and instruments

I just replaced my right wing tank and had a similiar problem. I did what Forest suggested earlier. Very gingerly pop the tank with a rubber mallet and a small 2x4. I was lucky enough to have a car "body" man that worked the tank like magic.

Richard Boyer
N95791
Georgetown, TX
07TS

[Ron]

Re: wing tank, wing struts and instruments

Thanks for the hint, Rich......I think that I will give it a try. Is the object of the "hit" to give the tank an inward focused dent which would hold the tank inwards? Sounds plausible to me.

Ron

[Richard Boyer]

Re: wing tank, wing struts and instruments

My tank was "bloated", I'm sure from testing with air. I was an unbeliever in the "tap" method. But was quickly turned into a convert. The trick is to go slow! Make small corrections!

good luck!
Richard Boyer
N95791
Georgetown, TX
07TS

[Ron]

Re: wing tank, wing struts and instruments

Thanks Rich, I'll do the task on Tuesday. I work on the T-Craft on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays along with several dedicated EAA chapter members who have the desire to learn restoration.

Ron 1941 BC-12 65hp