Back to working on the right fuel tank install. As I previously noted, the anti-chafe tape on the cross tubes/bottom of tank and rubber gasket between the tank flange and compression tubes were not mentioned in the manual. These suggestions came from other builders and were appreciated.
As a result, I ordered the anti-chafe tape and I had some gasket material on hand. The anti-chafe tape arrived. It is a stiff 1/2" wide Nylon tape with a peel and stick backing. I cut six pieces to length, three for the cross tubes the tank sits on and three for the bottom of the tank.
First order of business was to scuff the cross tubes with a sanding block. Then clean with some acetone. I positioned the first tape on the center cross bar because it provided the easiest access. The Nylon was very stiff and would not easily conform to the 1/2" tube. So, I pulled out the heat gun to see if a little heat would relax it enough to conform? It did, for a minute or so then returned to its original position. I contemplated some other options but decided that the tape was not going anywhere because the tank would sit on it, so I left it alone. The center section of the tape had a good grip on the tube anyway.
Once I had all the tapes applied to the cross tubes, cleaned the bottom of the tank for the tapes. I applied them to the bottom of the tank in positions to mirror the cross tube tapes. The tank tapes laid flat and had great adhesion. I then set the tank in place and checked the positions of all the tapes to make sure they were properly placed.
Next came marking for the bolt holes on each flange. I made sure the tank was in the correct position and verified that it was sitting correctly on the compression tubes. I used my center punch to mark the location to drill. I pulled the tank out to drill the holes. I did not have a long enough 3/16" drill bit to clear the tank, so I used a 6" #30 bit to drill starter holes. I used a large round file chucked in my drill to widen the holes to the 3/16" required for the bolts. Once the four holes in the flange were finished, I set the tank back in place to mark the holes on the compression tubes. I pulled the tank back out and drilled the corresponding holes on the drill press with a 3/16" bit. I reinstalled the compression tubes, then the tank and installed the bolts. Everything lined up as it should.
Next step was to cut the gasket material for the compression tubes. I measured the length needed and set up to cut 1/2" strips using a straight edge and razor. I cut the four required for both tanks.
