This is the original oil tank as we received it. It in is near perfect condition. To give reference in this photo the tank is sitting on its right hand end, with the filler assembly on the left and the sump on the right. The data plate is visible just to the left of the seam. (image via Pioneer Aero)
Another view of the original oil tank as we received it. It is in near perfect condition. The filler assembly, depicted here, sits on top of the tank. The scupper bowl requires some planishing to return it to the correct shape and the filler cap requires a new layer of cadmium plating. (image via Pioneer Aero)
This is the left hand end of the oil tank. By removing all these screws Pioneer was able to gain access to the rubber bladder within the tank, finding it in perfect condition! (image via Pioneer Aero)
The restoration team removed the old paint, preparing it for a new coat of preservative coating and a top coat of period-correct coloring. (image via Pioneer Aero)
A question which arises regularly at the Museum is, "How much of this airplane is actually original?" We always answer, "As much as possible!" While items like the worn-down rub strips described in our last update absolutely must be replaced, this update will focus upon the dedicated effort involved in refurbishing what otherwise might be discarded for new-build material - thus preserving originality!
While the Oil Tank we are looking at today came from a donor aircraft, it is of original war-time construction. Somehow, it survived the years since WWII in near perfect condition, including its original data plate and part numbers.
One of the few damaged areas of the tank is the scupper bowl around the filler cap; it needed a little massaging to return it to the correct shape. The preservative layer of cadmium plating on the filler cap also needed refreshing.
However, we needed to gain access to the rubber bladder inside the tank in order to determine whether it could still be used to hold oil for the Dauntless. Pioneer Aero's technicians therefore removed the numerous screws on the tank's end plate to open it up. They found that the rubber bladder was in near perfect condition and suitable for re-use!
Components from the SBD's oil tank following disassembly and paint-stripping. (image via Pioneer Aero)
Repainting the oil tank components. (image via Pioneer Aero)
Reassembling the oil tank, with the rubber bladder installed. (image via Pioneer Aero)
The remaining oil tank components ready for reinstallation. (image via Pioneer Aero)
The tanks disassembled original components, each rehabilitated, then received a fresh coat of corrosion-inhibiting primer, followed by a period-correct top coat, returning the tank to as-new condition. The original rubber bladder was re-installed once the paint had cured. Even the scupper bowl came out perfect! This is just one example of how we go the extra mile to preserve as much original material as possible in our restorations.