How much can i cut EPP

[Dean]

Hi,

I have a 6 oz slec fuel tank that i want to fit in my Prangster, but to fit it i would need to trim the space for the tank, the thickness of the fuselage side where the tank sits is 13mm so to make the tank fit i would need to remove about 3mm of material from each side.

Is this a good idea or could it weaken the structure to much?

 

 

Thanks Dean

[Doug Ireland]

I've done something similar in the past Dean. Once I'd finished hacking out the inside I lined it with 1/32" ply then a coat of fuel-proofer, tough as old boots!

[Dean]

Thanks Doug, that sounds like a good idea, I'm off to my LMS this weekend to get fuel and other bits and bobs so will get some 1/32" ply too.

Thanks Dean

[flytilbroke]

I did something like that Dean. only I used a soldering iron, carefully. I found the trick was to only get the tip close enough to melt and shrink the surface you wish to "remove". The result was a hard tough coating.

[Dean]

Thanks flytilbroke will have ago with my soldering iron tomorrow, that sounds a good way to remove the material and keeping it neat at the same time. Then i will fit the ply to the insides.

Thanks chaps

 

[Tim Morton]

Dean

Suggest you put some 1/16" ply cheeks on either side of the fuselage too (before you wrap it in tape). Take it from the firewall to behind the rear dowel - much better strength and durability for very little weight. Drill the holes for the dowels etc.