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Covering a PA-12 wing with Atlee Dodge tank

aztecf

Registered User
MPLS, MN
This might be a stupid question. I just bought a PA-12 project, the fuselage has been covered, the wings have not. The wings have Atlee Dodge 30.5 gallon tanks and flaps, how should the wing be covered. Should you cover over the top and bottom of the tank? I had a PA-12 with these tanks but can't remember.

Jeff
 
You have the option of leaving the bottom bare with no fabric or covering bottom. Top is left with no fabric so tank is removable. Sealing around the edge on top is advisable to stop water leakage. Look around on this site there is more info floating around.
 
What are the pros and cons to covering the bottom. I just removed an Atlee Dodge tank for repair and have to recover the wing. Wondered if it would be better to leave the bottom uncovered.
 
I wouldn't leave the bottom open, it looks like crap. There is no advantage to leaving it open.

John
 
I wouldn't leave the bottom open, it looks like crap. There is no advantage to leaving it open.
Besides, nowhere in the Atlee dodge STC does it say the lower fabric is an option. At least I can't find anything.


John
 
This one had several cracks eminating from a rivet hole. Thought it would be easier to see and fix if there wasn't any fabric on it. Saw a PA12 that Charlie Center did that was uncovered on the bottom.
 
Well, like I said, I can't find anywhere in the STC that says it's optional.


John
 
Does anyone have pictures of the top of a covered wing with the Atlee dodge tank, and if so could you post them

Jeff
 
Don't leave the bottom open like Charlie Center suggests. I have had Dodge tanks both ways. Bottom fabric is the way to go. Especially on a PA-12 wing. There is about a 3/8" lip on the rear edge of the tank bay if you leave it open. That is a lot a parasitic drag and it looks like crap. Take care. Crash
 
aztecf:

There are a couple of members of this site that are right here in Minnesota. Their -12 has these big tanks installed. Perhaps a PM to either tptailwheel or lurker12 will provide an answer.

I've seen their -12, ridden in it and even flown it. I don't recall what covers the tanks, though. This -12 has flaps but I don't know if it matters.

Jon B.
 
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