Adding a 4th Fuel Tank to Ragwing

[Jaredpilot]

I am beginning the process of recovering my wings now and I have been considering the idea of adding a 4th fuel tank. I have searched the forum a bit but seeking further clarity about the process. What fuel tank specifically do I need to seek out for the install? Is the paperwork/FAA hurdle realistic or am I wasting my time? (located in the PNW) Any guidance/support would be appreciated before making any firm decision. Any other improvements you recommend while I have the fabric off?

Happy Holiday to all!

Regards,

Jared

[Bill_Green]

Jared
Adding the 4th fuel tank to your 48 model is something that has been done by others. The installation is basically a mirror image of the right wing setup. I think that the tanks are just slightly modified Cessna 140 tanks. Some fittings will be needed to connect the inboard and outboard tanks. One of the aircraft salvage places may be able to supply a tank. Sutton Aircraft in Palmer is listed as owning a couple of 48 models. They may have what you need.
Bill

[n3833v]

When I did my wings I also considered this option but decided for my flying I didn't need to carry the extra weight and needed to get out of the plane after 4 hrs.
If you plan to fly back country where there is no fuel it is a safety item.

John

[Jaredpilot]

Thank you for the replies so far.

Would it be best to find a left 140 or 170 tank? Is that the consensus?

Anyone recently completed the paperwork with the FAA? Recent postings over the past few years indicated a few had trouble getting the FAA to sign off on the extra tank. I am concerned that the work will get done and we could struggle to get it approved thereafter. Thanks again everyone!

[GAHorn]

When I did my wings I also considered this option but decided for my flying I didn't need to carry the extra weight and needed to get out of the plane after 4 hrs.
If you plan to fly back country where there is no fuel it is a safety item.

John

Just because it’s there doesn’t mean you have to fill it.

[hilltop170]

ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS get approval BEFORE you start ANY modifications!!!! Or spend ANY money!!!

The FAA or DER will be looking to see if there is sufficient reason to approve or deny the modifications.

If approved, it’s up to the installer to have an approved mod installed correctly.

If installed before approval is given, the FAA has no responsibility to approve it just because it’s installed.

[cessna170bdriver]

Jared, contact Duane Shockey in San Diego, CA (he’s in the directory). I know his ragwing has four tanks, but I don’t know if he bought it that way or added it when he rebuilt the airplane several decades ago.

[Jaredpilot]

I spoke with Duane yesterday and was able to discuss various topics and questions. We will have both wings off my Ragwing today, looking forward to the next step! Thanks everyone!

[mit]

I owned a Rag wing with 4 tanks for 10 years 4054V.

[wabuchanan]

We had 5 170 owners out to the hangar today, and one former 140 owner, who we still grudgingly allow to associate with us even though he now flies an RV-8

All hands made short work of removing the wings, after 3 days of prep work by Jared and myself, and getting them put on the trailer and hauled up to our A&P's shop.

A great group of fellow pilots to come out New Years morning to lend a hand. Thanks to Jughead Counsell/Whitt Ratcliff/ Kevin Ditzler and our former 140 hangar neighbor John Heinrichs Happy New Years

[cessna170bdriver]

It always makes me a little sad to see a 170 without wings and/or engine, but I get over it when I think that it will eventually be better for it.

[c170b53]

Beauty..many hands make for many post work beers

[n2582d]

ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS get approval BEFORE you start ANY modifications!!!! Or spend ANY money!!!

The FAA or DER will be looking to see if there is sufficient reason to approve or deny the modifications.

If approved, it’s up to the installer to have an approved mod installed correctly.

If installed before approval is given, the FAA has no responsibility to approve it just because it’s installed.

I've added a 337 that covers adding a fourth tank here. It should qualify as "approved data" as it was written prior to Oct. 1, 1955.