---
title: Fuel Tank Build and Attach
description: Fuel Tank Build and Attach. Builder questions and answers from Van's Builder Technical Support.
---
[Skip to content](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/fuel-tank-build-and-attach#main-content)
English
Show submenu for translations
Open main navigation
Close main navigation
- English
Show submenu for translations
- [Contact us](mailto:info@vansaircraft.com)
[Contact us](mailto:info@vansaircraft.com)
How can we help you?
- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.
1. [Van's Aircraft Knowledge Base](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base?hsLang=en)
2. [Fuel System](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/fuel-system?hsLang=en)
3. [Fuel Tanks](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/fuel-system?hsLang=en#fuel-tanks)
October 5, 2026
# Fuel Tank Build and Attach
## Builder Tech Support answers on fuel tank build and attach
This article collects Builder Technical Support answers on fuel tank build and attach.
### Sloshed tank inspection (legacy RV-6 and others)
For airframes with sloshed fuel tanks, Van's published guidance allows continued service if a borescope inspection shows no flaking and no debris is found in the filter or gascolator. Inspect every 25 hours of operation. If you operate under another national authority (LAA in the UK, for example), confirm that periodic inspection is acceptable under that authority's rules. If you do find flaking or debris, contact Builder Tech Support for tank removal/replacement guidance.
### Replacement scope for already-built assemblies
The most common builder concern is what happens when a "red replace" part is already installed in a finished assembly. Examples include T-1005B shims on RV-10 fuel tanks or W-1012 wing ribs already riveted into a wing skeleton.
Van's general approach:
- If you can see no cracking after careful inspection (including looking for cracks at dimpled holes), document the assembly with dated photos and contact Builder Tech Support for case-specific guidance.
- If you can see cracks, the part is in the "red replace" list, and the part is buried in a riveted assembly, Builder Tech Support works with you on a replacement scope — including which adjoining parts and rivets are expected to be replaced as part of the work.
- Do not continue building past an affected step until a replacement plan is in writing.
If you are outside the US (for example, Europe or South Africa), customs and VAT on replacement shipments are not reimbursable in most cases — coordinate timing with Builder Tech Support to consolidate shipments where possible.
### "Undersized holes" laser-cut parts
Some Van's laser-cut parts ship with intentionally undersized holes (smaller than final). These parts are intended to be final-drilled and deburred during build. Builder Tech Support guidance:
- If a #40 undersized hole is opened to #30 and deburred, the resulting hole edge is typically clean enough for normal dimpling.
- Inspect the deburred hole for cracks before dimpling — if you see any cracking, do not proceed.
- If you're at a critical assembly step (closing fuel tanks, end ribs), confirm with Builder Tech Support before committing to use.
The current laser-cut parts replacement program is the authoritative reference — check it for your specific affected part numbers.
### Overview
If you're building a Van's wing and fuel tank, the most common questions we see at Builder Support involve mechanical fit-up rather than sealing chemistry. This article covers the recurring themes so you know what's normal, what needs repair, and what to send us pictures of.
### Laser-cut parts (LCP) in the fuel tank area
Some kits shipped with laser-cut tank ribs, T-1005 shims, F-819-1, W-721, W-724, A-710 stiffeners, and others. Laser-cut holes can have notched edges or microscopic cracks that show up when you dimple - even after careful reaming to #19 and deburring. Several builders have reported cracking during dimpling on properly prepped LCPs.
If you have LCPs and they are **not yet installed**, contact Builder Support to enroll in the Laser Cut Parts Replacement Program. Identify which parts are LCP by date tag and visible notching. Photos of representative parts and the date tags help us process the request.
### Additional/inverted fuel tanks (RV-10)
Van's does not offer a kit for extra or inverted fuel tanks on the RV-10. These are custom modifications and are not supported by Builder Tech Support beyond general guidance. Consult an experienced builder or the RV-10 community before adding.
### RV-12 prefab fuel tank
Van's still offers a factory-prefabricated RV-12 fuel tank as an alternative to building one from the kit. Contact Van's for current pricing and availability.
### Van's Tech Q&A: Fuel Tank Construction Tips and Techniques – Video
*Copied from Van's Aircraft Tech Q&A on 2026-10-01. Source: [Fuel Tank Construction Tips and Techniques – Video](https://www.vansaircraft.com/faq/fuel-tank-construction-tips-and-techniques-video-series/).*
Scott McDaniels from Van’s covers some valuable tips and techniques used when constructing a Van’s RV fuel tank. The video runs about 2.5 hours and can be viewed in “chapters” if you wish, by clicking the title in the video below to take you to the YouTube page.
[Watch on YouTube: Fuel Tank Construction Tips and Techniques – Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTl827JWz68)
- [Wing](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/wing?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Ailerons](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/wing?hsLang=en#ailerons)
- [Spars](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/wing?hsLang=en#spars)
- [Flaps](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/wing?hsLang=en#flaps)
- [Fuel System](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/fuel-system?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Senders, Vents and Fittings](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/fuel-system?hsLang=en#senders-vents-and-fittings)
- [Fuel Tanks](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/fuel-system?hsLang=en#fuel-tanks)
- [Fuselage](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/fuselage?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Fuselage Structure](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/fuselage?hsLang=en#fuselage-structure)
- [Canopy and Windows](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/fuselage?hsLang=en#canopy-and-windows)
- [Finishing Kit](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/finishing-kit?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Wheels and Tires](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/finishing-kit?hsLang=en#wheels-and-tires)
- [Fairings](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/finishing-kit?hsLang=en#fairings)
- [Firewall Forward](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/firewall-forward?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Engine Mounts and Isolators](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/firewall-forward?hsLang=en#engine-mounts-and-isolators)
- [Oil System](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/firewall-forward?hsLang=en#oil-system)
- [Engine Selection and Installation](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/firewall-forward?hsLang=en#engine-selection-and-installation)
- [Cowling and Baffles](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/firewall-forward?hsLang=en#cowling-and-baffles)
- [Avionics](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/avionics?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [EFIS and Displays](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/avionics?hsLang=en#efis-and-displays)
- [Wiring, Harness and Panel](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/avionics?hsLang=en#wiring-harness-and-panel)
- [Finishing](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/finishing?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Primers, Paint and Corrosion](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/finishing?hsLang=en#primers-paint-and-corrosion)
- [Registrations](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/registrations?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Registration and Ownership](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/registrations?hsLang=en#registration-and-ownership)
- [Inspection and First Flight](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/registrations?hsLang=en#inspection-and-first-flight)
- [General](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/general?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Materials, Sealants and Composites](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/general?hsLang=en#materials-sealants-and-composites)
- [Tools and Workshop](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/general?hsLang=en#tools-and-workshop)
- [Rivets and Fasteners](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/general?hsLang=en#rivets-and-fasteners)
- [Plans, Manuals and Drawings](https://support.vansaircraft.com/knowledge-base/general?hsLang=en#plans-manuals-and-drawings)
[](https://support.vansaircraft.com/?hsLang=en)
[mailto:email@email.com](mailto:email@email.com)
Copyright © 2026, Van's Aircraft, Inc.