tank cover -screws in to secure?

[HIFLUTIN]

Gettin ready to put my 170 back togther.
On the gas tank cover does everyone put screws in to secure or can get by with silicone/5200?
Hate to put holes in a new cover that we fabbed up?

[Blue Agave]

I put screws in mine after fabing it, made mine out of nidacore. I counter sank the screws, tens years and no problem. Also, don't use 5200!  Use some type of UV resistant silicone.

[slvrlng]

When I did my cover I reused the screws and they seem to help secure it down even more. I also overdrilled the holes and filled with thickened resin. I followed Skoot's lead and put a bead of plumbers putty down then dropped the hatch in, then the screws. I used clear marine silicone on the gap because if I ever need to get back in there it will be easier to remove. I would not recommend 5200 as you will tear the glass up if you try to remove the cover.

[wingtime]

I used screws on mine.  5200 on the screws and marine silicone to seal it up.   As already mentioned  if you use 5200 getting back in there will be a bear.

[GoneFission]

5200 is not that hard to get out of a tank seam - been there and done that.  Utility knife will cut it.  But 5200 will yellow with sunlight, so 4000UV is probably a better choice.

[Capt. Bob]

But 5200 will yellow with sunlight, so 4000UV is probably a better choice.

Agreed. It's what I used when I replaced the WAC tank last year. It seems to clean up better and return to its original white color very easily.

[wingtime]

I was going to mention that 5200 yellowing was the second reason I didn't use it.  The white marine silicone I used stays nice and clean.  I figured if it starts to look funky I can easily peel it out and reseal it.

[c master]

I have clear silicone around the cover...it's been there for 5 years.  Looks like newly applied and almost invisible.

[pete]

I have seen some that use black silicone,looks cool and no mildew to worry about