dan
Well Known Member
I keep seeing the "Checkoway method" mentioned in numerous threads when it comes to fuel tank Z brackets. I really want to put this to bed.
There ain't no Checkoway method. I didn't come up with anything. All the credit goes to Steve Hurlbut -- who posted it about 12 years ago. This is where I came upon it originally:
http://www.matronics.com/searching/...TNUMBER=138?SERIAL=1948382694?SHOWBUTTONS=YES
And in case that link goes by the wayside like some builders' websites have (ahem):
Going forward, I'd love to see people talking about the "Hurlbut method." Sound like a plan?
There ain't no Checkoway method. I didn't come up with anything. All the credit goes to Steve Hurlbut -- who posted it about 12 years ago. This is where I came upon it originally:
http://www.matronics.com/searching/...TNUMBER=138?SERIAL=1948382694?SHOWBUTTONS=YES
And in case that link goes by the wayside like some builders' websites have (ahem):
Message: #90620
From: "Steve Hurlbut" <hurlbut_steve(at)hotmail.com>
Subject: Perfect Fuel Tank Alignment
Date: Dec 16, 2001
I just finished my left wing fuel tank (not sealed yet) and the aligment with the leading edge is perfect. The problem with Van's instructions is they tell you to drill 1/8" holes and #12 holes in the fuel tank attachment brackets which will decide your alignment before you even get the tank on the spar. Here is what I did:
1.) Drilled 1/8" hole in exact centre on one side of attachment bracket. Make 6 of these. No #12 holes! Cleco brackets in place and drill remaining 4 holes ensuring it is centred.
2.) Put fuel tank skin in wooden cradle and cleco ribs in on one side only.
3.) Put baffle in place. With attachment brackets removed.
4.) Lift up free side of fuel tank skin and cleco ribs and attachment brackets to the baffle.
5.) Cleco second side of ribs to fuel tank skin
6.) Place in wing spar and put cleco and clamps in place to hold alignment with screw holes.
7.) Ensure zero gap between leading edge and fuel tank.
8.) Drilled fuel tank to W423
9.) Drilled attachment brackets with #12 from below using spar as a guide.
This worked great for me.
Steve Hurlbut
RV-7A
http://members.kingston.net/sjhdcl/rv7a.htm
Going forward, I'd love to see people talking about the "Hurlbut method." Sound like a plan?