Fuel tank access
 

I'm finishing up a Venture 60 and want to make a reasonable access to my fuel tank. I don't expect to need access the tank on a regular basis but in the event I do, I'd rather not cut up the balsa. Removing the covering doesn't faze me. Here's what I'm considering...frame a hole in the nose sheeting and place a piece of sheeting to cover, I'd lip the framing to hold the sheeting in place. I would then cover with a matching piece of covering.

Question...

Should I glue the cover? If so with something that can he heat released?

Other options?

RE: Fuel tank access
 

I used rare earth magnets to hold a hatch on my Kadet. They are strong as all get out, very light weight and easy to install. Just an idea.....

RE: Fuel tank access
 

The pre-cut hatch sounds like a great idea. I'd think the covering would hold it place, as long as you iron the covering to the sheeting. If you like to iron covering only at the edges, maybe you could just tape the hatch on underneath the covering.

I like fuel tank access, too, but I have to admit that in the several dozen planes I've owned over the years, I've only had to replace a tank twice. Naturally both were planes that had no fuel tank access.

RE: Fuel tank access
 

It's a classic Catch-22 situation. I make access...will never need it. If I don't make the access...I'll have to replace the tank within a month and will be cutting into the balsa.:D

RE: Fuel tank access
 

Use the magnets.

Recess the magnets into a support frame for the hatch and CA in place, then cut some STEEL strips about 1/4" wide by about 3/4" long and CA them in position on the hatch cover. Be sure the hatch cover is flush or SLIGHTLY below the rest of the fuselage, then cover the hatch cover.

I have not had any problems with magnet held hatch covers. I have a couple of glow planes that easily hit 90 mph. I have a hatch on one of them that is 3 1/2" wide and almost 6" long. That one has 6 1/8" rare earth magnets on it and never come loose. I even had a landing that ripped out the gear and all it did was shift the hatch.

RE: Fuel tank access
 

I put a hatch on most of mine but sometimes for looks I cover right over the hatch. If I have to go in I recover with a little bit of clear monokote. works fine so far:D