Gas tanks questions

I am finishing the wings and I am somehow reluctant to start riveting... so for all the more advanced builders out there... a few questions:

1- I have seen many options for vented gas tanks caps... even one that includes a valve with a floating ball to allow air flow into tanks and stop vapors getting out... also some who welded tubbing... suggestions? options from spruce? I have the factory built tanks.

2- Is it possible to build inspection opening in the wings? anyone has done it?

3- Should I rivet the trailing edge at this point or wait until the wings are attached to the fuselage?

4- Any suggestions for the pitot system? I saw some builders using the Dynon...

Finally...I need some advice on how to use the EAA for assistance... I have bee building for many years  now... slow and with ups and downs... I have the whole tail, flaperons, rear fuselage, half forward fuselage... and some more... and I have never had anyone look at the progress... suggestions and guidance are more than welcomed..

Thanks in advance!

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Comment by Chris Aysen on February 10, 2012 at 10:31am

You can contact EAA National directly and they can give the nearest Chapter. I regret that the only venting I have is the filler caps {Cessna caps). I don't have any problems but in hindsite I should have added additional venting. There is a possibilty I can still vent from the top of my header tank but would require tubing to be mounted outside the airframe. I feel if you can vent in some way from the top of the filler neck independent of the filler cap..... I have mostly steam gauges and the pitot system is pretty much as specified in the plans.

Comment by fernando donatti on February 10, 2012 at 10:12am

Thanks! I assumed I was on the 801 blog… thus… that is my project an 801.

Follow up questions. 

I am located in Houston TX. Where can I find information on inspectors for the area?

What system did you use for the ventilation of the caps?

For the pitot tube… did you use the dynon?

and yes… I have a million pics.. which, you know.. time/work/family/life.. has neglected me the time to post in the web page.

Again… thanks for the answers and …we will be in contact!

Comment by Chris Aysen on February 10, 2012 at 9:15am

Fernando - 1. I don't know what plane your building but venting the tanks, in addition to the venting capabilities of the filler caps, is a good idea especially on gravity fed systems. 2. You should have inspection plates at critical areas such as the fuel sending units and any shut off valves from tank to fuselage you may have. I have done this to my 701. 3. If you are uncomfortable with riveting its OK to tack rivet before mounting and finish riveting once mounted. However, great care should be used in the mounting process as to not to bare pressure or weight that may twist the trailing edge.  4. Glass panels or space savers and increase overall value of your plane. Personally however, I like to have a couple of back-up steam gauges and I ran 1/4" copper tubing because it was a bit lighter than the plastic tube that came with the gauges. Finally, Its always good to have experienced eyes looking over your project. If you don't have that; take ALOT of pictures. Best of luck.

Chris

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