Matronics Email Lists :: View topic - INSPECTION PLATES - TECH SUPPORT

Matronics Email Lists
Web Forum Interface to the Matronics Email Lists

Get Email Distribution Too! FAQ Search Memberlist Usergroups Register

Profile Log in to check your private messages Log in

INSPECTION PLATES - TECH SUPPORT - Zenith Aircraft Co.

Matronics Email Lists Forum Index -> Zenith-List

View previous topic :: View next topic

Author Message

pacificpainting(at)comcas
Guest

Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 2:47 pm Post subject: INSPECTION PLATES - TECH SUPPORT - Zenith Aircraft Co.

HERE IS THE OFFICIAL WORD I JUST RECEIVED FROM ZAC ON THE INSPECTION HOLE 

COVERS. THOUGHT YOU ALL, OR YA'LL IN SOME PARTS MIGHT LIKE TO KNOW WHAT THE 

MANUFACTURER HAD TO SAY.



Dave in Salem





---

601zv(at)ritternet.com
Guest

Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 4:26 pm Post subject: INSPECTION PLATES - TECH SUPPORT - Zenith Aircraft Co.

I've got 4 3-1/2" holes for my senders and I'm covering them with fiberglass 

covers and screws. I got tired of trying to fiqure out how to easily shape 

aluminum covers and decided that the fiberglass was much easier to do and 

was more conducive t0 achivieving a more practical aeorodynamic shape. Shame 

we have to do all this extra fabrication because of a kit in which the parts 

don't fit right. It makes scratch building very attractive.



---

Sigmo(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 6:25 pm Post subject: INSPECTION PLATES - TECH SUPPORT - Zenith Aircraft Co.

I am in the process of covering the holes that I had to cut in the wings of  my 601XL to access the fuel level senders to trouble shoot an inoperative fuel  level gauge. I had not made them accessible when I built the aircraft and the  senders were in the top of the tank.

 During the process I decided to change from the float type mechanical to  the capacitance type. These are thicker and stick up considerably above the  upper wing surface.

 I initially made a fiberglass faring that stuck up and they did not look  very nice sticking up there so I decided to recess the senders below the surface  of the tank top.

 I did this by cutting a bigger hole and using a cupcake pan section  which recesses the sender level with the top of the tank and sealing it  well with gaskets.

 I am able to use a semi flush cover plate held down with screws and nut  plates.

 I wish I had placed the senders in the side of the tank when I built but  it's now water under the bridge.

  

 Mike Sigman

 601XL

  [quote][b]

pacificpainting(at)comcas
Guest

Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 6:31 pm Post subject: INSPECTION PLATES - TECH SUPPORT - Zenith Aircraft Co.

You didn't make domed covers by any chance. Did you? I know this subject 

came up awhile back. I didn't think I would need to, but even trimming the 

end of the center bolt on the sender doesn't give me enough clearance. 

Especially after I put on the nylon pieces under the covers.

---

601zv(at)ritternet.com
Guest

Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 6:56 pm Post subject: INSPECTION PLATES - TECH SUPPORT - Zenith Aircraft Co.

Yes. I made domed fiberglass covers that stick up about 1/2" above the top 

skin because the ZAC supplied VW Rabbit senders stick up about 3/8", but the 

domes are  tear drop shaped, not round..

---

pacificpainting(at)comcas
Guest

Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 9:19 pm Post subject: INSPECTION PLATES - TECH SUPPORT - Zenith Aircraft Co.

What did you use for a pattern? I wonder if the plates for a fabric plates 

have enough of a dome shape. I just happen to own such a plane. Maybe I'll 

check tomorrow. Just thinking out loud.



Dave in Salem

---

601zv(at)ritternet.com
Guest

Posted: Sat Oct 21, 2006 4:28 am Post subject: INSPECTION PLATES - TECH SUPPORT - Zenith Aircraft Co.

I made a male mold for the interior dome shape with PolyFil epoxy, then used 

it, one at a time, to lay up the covers out of fiberglass, in place, to 

create a perfectly fitting flange. The standard 5" round aluminum domed 

inspection plates (Aircraft Spruce #09-19300) would work if your senders 

protrude less than 1/4". Mine protrude about 3/8" so my fiberglass cover 

domes are about 1/2" high.

    Robin in AR

    N601ZV 601XL / Corvair Zen-Vair

---

Trainnut01(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2006 5:11 am Post subject: INSPECTION PLATES - TECH SUPPORT - Zenith Aircraft Co.

I hope I am not adding to the confusion here. I am building a 601XL from  component kits. My wing kit came with the Volkswagen senders but had very  explicit instructions for bending and installing the senders on the inboard end  of the fuel tanks. This is almost identical to the set up used on my RV. I'm  trying to understand if there is a reason for installing them on top of the  tank. I haven't cut the holes yet so I'm not in trouble yet.

 Carroll Jernigan

 Lenoir City TN

  [quote][b]

601zv(at)ritternet.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2006 6:39 am Post subject: INSPECTION PLATES - TECH SUPPORT - Zenith Aircraft Co.

I put the VW senders in the top of my 4 tanks so that they would be far  more convenient to access. But since they protrude above the top skin requiring  fabrication of domed covers, if I had it to do over I would seriously consider  installation in the tank ends. 

     Robin in AR

     N601ZV Zen-Vair 

 [quote]   ---

ding(at)tbscc.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2006 5:17 pm Post subject: INSPECTION PLATES - TECH SUPPORT - Zenith Aircraft Co.

I installed my senders in the end of the tanks as per  included instructions. Using a mirror through the filler opening, I could see  well enough to adjust the float to just clear the top and bottom of the tank at  each extreme of travel. Access through the bottom inspection hole looks  reasonable.

                                                                     Lynn

                                                                     Corry, PA       601 XL / Corvair 

   [quote][b]

Display posts from previous:

	Matronics Email Lists Forum Index -> Zenith-List	All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Page 1 of 1

Jump to:

You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum