Thorp Air Command - T18.net

I would take the panel out .

Chuck,
When I did my gas cap upgrade (cronicled in another thread) I removed the panel to get the tank out. It took me a week of evenings to get every thing disconnected and labeled. I also had to remove the sticks and the canopy to get the tank out of the plane. The other thing I did with the panel out was to rewire it to make it more modular, I have 5 electrical plugs to disconnect a DB25 and a molex connector (for the higher amperage stuff) on each side and a DB25 that is a single point ground behind the panel. I now can remove the panel and have it on the work bench in under an hour, makes working on the panel a breeze.

_________________
Bruce Finney
N18JF T-18C #262
Yelm, WA USA

Bruce : Exacly what I did . I have one Deutch connector for all the engine instruments, one plug for the fuel sender and on the left side a few quick disconnect plugs for power to the panel and mags/ign switch. Pull the plugs and disconnect the pitot/static lines and in about 30 minutes it's on the bench . BOOM !

RB

Well I managed to get the outer edge rivets drilled out (and I just painted the whole plane) and the center console removed. Another hour or so and I should be able to drop the floor panel. I don't know If I'll bother repairing the fiberglass tank once removed. I looked up on my drawings index and it referenced drawings 480, 481 and 482 as needed for the fuel tank construction. As it turns out I'm missing 480 but have 481L and 482. Anyone have a copy of 480 that I can borrow?

Bruce, I hope to organize the wiring behind the panel while the tank is out. One of my other future upgrades is a total panel overhaul and hopefully at that time I can rewire as you've suggested; that's the way to go.

_________________
Chuck Kincer
Richmond, Me
575CK
KIWI

Chuck : Shit can the glass tank ! I don't think you want to R & R it and have it leak again and have to remove it again ! Get a tank from CSA . If they don't have one available Lou said he would fab one for you . Not sure what he charges , but I have seen his welding and the aluminum beads are smooth and very little (if no) warping in the aluminum . I can "lend" you the 480 drawing ...for a future consideration at OSH 2013 .

RB

Some tanks were made from polyester resin and should not be used. Epoxy can be used although the manufactures don't recommend it. The alcohol in gas will attack it. Bob,Les and I used an expoxy tanks for 20 to 30 years with sucess. We used avgas only.
The 480 is an 1 3/4 diameter bung hole or a AN867-2 can be substituted, I might have one somewhere

Floor board out! tank next....

_________________
Chuck Kincer
Richmond, Me
575CK
KIWI

Man, I am sure glad Fraser isn't sitting there in his Kilt.

_________________
Matt Smith
Des Moines, IA
55RC

This is his new "Kilted vent" design for total cooling. Still working out the bugs, kilt ends up over your head while on final; minor problem. To be patented and sold in Scotland.

_________________
Chuck Kincer
Richmond, Me
575CK
KIWI

That's way too much information ! Please no write up for the NL and NO pics !

RB

Am in London.....tomorrow is Kilt Day.....It's really rainy, heya....the kilt....she's a bit damp!!

Just don't do handstands and wall will be right

I recommend staying inside and enjoying the pub food . Banger and Mash and Fish and Chips ! You go to London to expect rain ! How you dress is your concern and the Bobbys will figure out your motive . I found riding the "TUBE" quite the experience .

RB

Update: Turns out I do have a metal gas tank coated with fiberglass on the outside and some sort of slosh compound on the inside. I

_________________
Chuck Kincer
Richmond, Me
575CK
KIWI

Goodness ! I don't see how the finger screen isn't plugged up with all that crap ! A riveted tank ? I may have read about one in a very early NL ? Lee probably has info on this if it does exist . It would take an act of Congress for me to try and repair this tank and put it back in my AC ! Based upon the amount of time you have spent just getting this tank out I would suspect you would not want to take it out again after a "repair ?" I would go with a new factory metal tank . JMHO .

RB