I devoted this page to the preparation of the transmission tunnel sheet metal specific to the aluminum tank installation.  The aluminum panels, when riveted in place IAW the GTM build manual, will not allow for easy maintenance access after installation.  This area has several critical system components installed at the front of the engine.  Coolant line clamps, serpentine belt, pulleys, heater bypass valve and other components will require access at some point.  For this reason, I decided to rivet the rear panels together and then create a tank outlet hole in a panel that can be removed.  To locate the hole at its center I used a cardboard template referenced off the frame.  I then installed the panel and marked the hole center.  After creating a flange with 8-32 aviation nut plates and adding rivnuts to the frame, I'm able to install the panel onto the 1.5"  (-16 AN) tank outlet and then install the tank into position and secure the panel in place.  I will add a rubber piece to take up the free space between the outlet and the aluminum in the panel.  This will protect the outlet aluminum.  The left and right tunnel panels are shown. 

In addition to the tank outlet panel, I fabricated a 'close off' bracket for installation on the bottom aft tunnel panel.  This '"Z" channel will help prevent hot air and fumes from escaping into the cockpit. Its also meant to finish something that should have been done by Factory Five.  Its a simple solution to an unfinished corner.