So I have been exchanging PM's with MESAFLYER regarding moving to a 10oz tank on the SSE.
The kit is designed for a Dubro 8oz tank but with a ST51 planned (Mesa is going with a OS55), I wanted more tank. I have a 10oz Dubro.

First option is to put in a hatch but the instructions are very specific "while the modeler may be tempted to install a hatch, for structural reason, this should not be done".

So I have been dry-fitting to see if there is another solution. The 8oz is designed to "pull out" through F-2 and over the wing tube and dry-fit testing shows this works. The 8oz tank is 2 1/4" wide while the 10oz if 2 1/2" wide. However, F-2 opening is 2 3/8" wide.

So I would like feedback on this option:

1. Cut out the portion of the fuse doubler where the floor mounts but glue in the "Popsicle" shaped cut outs. This will drop the floor 1/4" giving vertical clearance.
2. Cut 1/16" on each side of F-2 to give clearance. (Suggestions on how best to shave this amount? access is hard)

My worry is with Step 2. The F-2 is 1/8" ply and the vertical sections are only 3/16" wide so 1/16" is not insignificant. Am I making this too weak by going from 3/16" to 1/8" on this strip? I do not want a "new" structural issue....

First picture is the fuse doubler where the floor can be lower 1/4" by removing the marked section. As stated, I will glue back in the cut out to form a new surface for the floor to fit into.
Second pic shows where the 1/16" needs to be removed for the tank to squeeze through.

Thoughts? Other approaches?