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Reversing stiffener orientation on tanks

Girraf

Well Known Member
Friend
I've looked at a lot of build logs and everyone seems to have installed the stiffeners according the drawings (with the vertical member toward the aft side). I match drilled mine to the skins in the reverse orientation after seeing this note and thinking it would be easier to backrivet them this way. Anyone else actually do this?

fuel%20tank%20stiffener%20orientation%20note-L.jpg
 
Thinking about this a little bit more: This orientation gave me good visibility to the shop head while back riveting the tank stiffeners. However, visibility to the forward side of the stiffener was limited (due to the flange) for purposes of assuring a good fillet of sealant. But, not a big deal; I just used a mirror to check each one. Again, I repeated the orientation on the second tank and both tanks passed the soapy water leak test, so I was happy with it.
 
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