With the fuel tank stiffeners cut, deburred and dimpled and the skin prepped, it was time to begin Prosealing the left fuel tank. I reviewed the several methods people use to accomplish this task, and reached out to a few of my builder friends. I decided to use the following procedure to Proseal the stiffeners to the tank skin:
- Thoroughly scuff stiffener and skin attach area with maroon Scotchbrite pad
- Clean stiffener and skin with acetone
- Place a small dab of Proseal in dimples from the outside of the tank skin
- Insert rivets and tape in place with rivet tape
- Apply a thin layer of Proseal directly to stiffener and place stiffener over rivets
- Back rivet stiffeners to tank skin
- Use syringe to run a bead of Proseal around perimeter of stiffener. Smooth with popsicle stick to form nice filet
- Place dab of Proseal on each shop head, completely covering shop head and dimple
- Check for gaps in Proseal coverage, and fill accordingly
After using this procedure for several stiffeners, I decided to try applying the Proseal directly to the skin rather than to the stiffener. Using a hobby paintbrush with the bristles cut down, it was easy to apply the Proseal to the skin and obtain a nice uniform layer. This method worked better for me.
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| Workbench covered with plastic sheet to keep everything clean |
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| All materials laid out for convenient access |
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| Thin layer of Proseal applied to stiffener |
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| Alternate method - apply Proseal to skin with syringe and spread with brush |
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| Back riveting stiffeners |
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| Left side tank stiffeners completed |
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