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Building Tips and technical articles. => Building techniques => Topic started by: Ron Varnas on March 03, 2008, 05:44:02 AM

Title: Best type of 'material' for Fuel Tank shims ?
Post by: Ron Varnas on March 03, 2008, 05:44:02 AM

Hi all,

I'd like to know the best type of material to use for
Fuel Tank shims for a 'slide-in & slide-out' tank set-up
in a full size fuze..?

also are shims used on the tank sides as well to prevent
any walk..? or their not required.

Any pics would be great!! ;)

Title: Re: Best type of 'material' for Fuel Tank shims ?
Post by: Paul Smith on March 03, 2008, 06:29:46 AM

This was posted some time ago...

Just run an ARF through the bandsaw to get good assortment of light fuel proof shims. 

Title: Re: Best type of 'material' for Fuel Tank shims ?
Post by: Dave Denison on March 03, 2008, 04:40:45 PM

Hi RON.

   This works very well.....EPP Foam (aka; packing foam). This type of foam is used in the corners of large screen TV's boxes and some appliances. Check your local "BEST BUY"

      Free, light, and fuel proof....just rip it into strips as needed and shim all sides of your tank area. I've been using this product for over five years now. y1
 
   REGARDS.    DAVE.

Title: Re: Best type of 'material' for Fuel Tank shims ?
Post by: Patrick Rowan on March 03, 2008, 10:28:09 PM

Balsa sheet works also.

Title: Re: Best type of 'material' for Fuel Tank shims ?
Post by: L0U CRANE on March 03, 2008, 11:57:43 PM

Sorry, guys,

I've never liked the open-front type of tank mount, for structural reasons.

I'd rather have a nearly PRECISE idea of where the engine 'wants' the tank, to run the same both ways, and build to that, with minimum adjustment possible to take care of any in-flight-detected problems. (Of course, this is not always possible!)

With this info, using silicone clear sealer to attach the tank in a built-up fuse model generally works. IF adjustment is needed, the tank can be pried out and either scraped down, or padded up what it takes... (Silicone sealers do not harden; rather, they keep some deree of flexibility. Just eonough- in my rather small number of experiments, to null out most of the engines' vibration tendency.

MORE important, however, is WHERE the tank

Title: Re: Best type of 'material' for Fuel Tank shims ?
Post by: Ron Varnas on March 04, 2008, 02:17:21 AM

Thanks to all for the replies, not sure about AMA using 'arfs' for tank shims does
get expensive :-[

Dave is that EPP foam the same material the RC guys use for insulating
receivers/ batt. packs?
Could you please post a pic. of these ...??

thankyou kindly,
Ron

Title: Re: Best type of 'material' for Fuel Tank shims ?
Post by: Dave Denison on March 04, 2008, 08:12:14 PM

RONV.

   This foam is NOT normally used as wrap for receivers or battery's, but is used in the electronics industry for protecting heavy items.

  I've posted some pics......hope you can see the "cell character" of this product. It cuts great on a band saw. Will NOT get mussy after years in fuel residue.    Hope this helps you. y1

     REGARDS.   DAVE

Title: Re: Best type of 'material' for Fuel Tank shims ?
Post by: Bill Little on March 05, 2008, 08:03:02 AM

For *SHIMS* I use epoxy coated balsa.   

For packing, I use refrigerant pipe insulation.  A dense black foam.