Legal Stuff - Critical

Please note:

This blog is for reference purposes only. It is a record of my personal experiences and thoughts which are based on very limited knowledge during my build process. All construction, details, hints, etc that are mentioned within this blog are based on my particular set of circumstances and are all based on my very poor ability to accurately covey situations and practices in writing. So ultimately....I could be very wrong, despite my attempts to be accurate. Please keep this in mind....What works for me, does not mean that's what you should do. ALWAYS refer to the VANS manual, drawings, published mil-spec practices etc for the build of your own aircraft. These are the correct and documented methods one should follow.

If you do choose to take into consideration any of my blog material I ask a few things. 1. Please do your own research and ALWAYS follow the drawings and manuals. When in doubt...Contact VANS Technical Support. 2. Please do not copy this material, both writing and pictures (unless written permission by myself is granted) 3. As long as the reference is properly credited, please feel free to link to this site instead.

Research of the tank access plate

Looking at the various build logs, there seems to be a good amount of deviation from the plans with respect to the nutplates used to secure the access plate and the screws. NAS 1473-A08 nutplates are encapsulated version of the K1000-08 nut plate. There are use to mitigate the risk if leaks prom the tank attachment points. I've checked Vans Airforce and my buddy Mike, and all seem to agree that they are expensive but really good. I think i'll put and order in to Wicks and have it delivered to Vegas while I am there in the next while.

For securing the access plate, sounds like the standard AN515-8R8 screws are too short for these and longer ones are needed. Some say go with a screw head other than phillips as they are easier to remove and less prone to strip. I also read that cadmium plating is recommended for bolts/screws instead of stainless steel. Not sure if this is in fact true or not, but i am looking at using NAS1801 hex head screws as an alternative.