Originally Posted by
vnx205
Would the new tank benefit from a gap between it and the bash plate?
Some of the older posts here about leaking fuel tanks mentioned spot welds securing the bash plate to the tank. Mine was separate. Even though it had some sort of pads a couple of mm thick the bash plate had obviously touched the tank in a few places and I believe that is where the rust pinholes developed.
The new tank came with a bash plate that seems to be a very close fit to the tank.
My thinking is that if the bash plate is touching the bottom of the tank that vibration will cause it to move enough to eventually remove the protective paint. Surely if the gap between the tank and the bash plate is negligible, then there is less chance for the inevitable moisture to dissipate.
I am wondering if I should put some strategically placed rubber pads to create a gap of about 5mm. That would allow some air to circulate to dry out any moisture that finds its way in the gap.
Does that sound like a good idea? Is there any reason I shouldn't do that?
If I remember correctly, the bash plate and tank are a pretty tight squeeze together
I was thinking the same thing
But the 2 I’ve done were on 30+ year old vehicles so surely get the same amount of life out of the new tanks
Trying to get a 5 mm gap, something would have to distort
Maybe a good dose of sikaflex or the like to fully seal and glue the 2 together maybe a better idea
If the 5 mm gap is possible I’d be worried about dust and gravel getting in and not being able to be cleaned out without removing the tank
1985 110 Dual Cab 4.6 R380 ARB Lockers (currently NIS due to roof kissing road)
1985 110 Station Wagon 3.5 LT85 (unmolested blank canvas)
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