Historical integrity

As many on this forum know, we are attempting very exacting NYP reproduction (If someone can direct me to a "goldenage " forum I'd be obliged) and a very interesting item came up. I'm posting it here because historical integrity, to greater/lesser degree, is important in any reproduction effort. Was wondering what the great minds here might think.

Anyway, we found a completely unknown (appreciated??) fuel tank fitting on top of and to the right of the known fuel fittings of the original NYP's main fuel tank. We are assuming this fitting was for Lindbergh's failed attempt at a fuel flow metering device, as it is the only fuel related item known to be installed on that side of the instrument panel and was directly in line. The fitting in question does not appear on the French schematic of the fuel system but does in ONE 1970's era NASM view, when the wing was removed. Fuel line goes behind panel and ends?? Do we, now that we know it was there, install same? Perhaps fake it? It can't be seen unless the wing is off and no one would know its there. What would you do?

Thanks
Charlie (who's already been intructed as to what to do)

I can't believe, that with Lindbergh's fanatical (and rightly so) concern about weight, that the extra fittings were left in at all!

I say, if it was in the aircraft when he flew the Atlantic, it should be in your reproduction as well.

Mike

Thanks for the reply. We are with you on this one. We will put it in as we think is was there for the "pond jump" but don't know for sure exactly when it was put in. The only other time the wing was off after being installed at factory was when it came home (?will have to check ) and when the a/c was moved into the Smithsonian collection and we just can't believe it was installed then! Makes no sense!
Weight importance to CAL seems to be relative. Made big stink about weight of minor things but totally lost it on useless periscope (but it did i double as air vent). Plumbing manafold connected to "lunkenhiemer" is standard bronze pipe fittings, brass nipples and valves, with brass and copper compression fitting and weighs about 15-20 lbs. BEFORE any of the fuel lines are attached. Wicker seat weighs about 1.5 lbs.Except for thecolor of new cain, ours looks EXACTLY like the original!
Thanks again,
Charlie