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Update: At the time I posted this originally, I had only confirmed that Allen's measurements were the same for my tank and that the tank was an inch thicker than the plans call for at the shelf area. Since then I have looked at the plans and can see that the thicker tank should still fit - although very tightly. So the answer to will it fit is - yes it will. Allen contacted Sonex and confirmed that the tank does measure out differently than the tank in the plans. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A note posted by Allen on Sonexplans today noted that his tank appeared to be too large per the plans. A quick check of my tank on the shelf indicated that his measurements may be correct. I took the tank down and laid it flat on the table upside down. The tank is slightly distorted in shape but upon receipt of the tank I felt (and still feel) that the distortions are probably normal for the type of construction. I needed the weight to keep the tank from rocking. In the first picture you can see that the tank section that goes just above the fuselage cross tie is not parallel with the top of the tank. Picture two shows the measured angle
The next six pictures show the tank after leveling it so that the shelf is level. Shims on the left side were needed to level the tank, and the pictures show the amount needed to compensate. If the tank fits these amounts seems to be of little concern.
Here is the money shot. For this particular tank, the minimum clearance from the top of the tank to the shelf appears to be 5 61/64”. Allen’s reading of the plans and mine indicate this measurement should be 4 61/64”. My measurements seem to confirm Allen’s measurements. However, I have not finished my forward fuselage and I have not looked at the relevant pages to verify that this tank can’t fit.
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