Developing HD plastic sill tanks for Defender

Hi Andrew,
I only have 15-20mm between my tanks and the floor. The front breather heads out over the chassis rails, and runs between the chassis and floor.

I meant with clearance for rock sliders/steps - that some of them bolt to the ends of the outriggers, and some others have straps that bolt onto one side of the outrigger. If you are going to sell these tanks it would make sense to make them so that they fit with the widest range of accessories.

Re: Bash plate - I realise some people like the perceived protection of a bash plate. I would be happy to have one without. I think a bash plate might encourage careless driving? Either way the mounts will potentially have to support some of the weight of a loaded defender when bellied. I also think the front of the tank will get peppered with stones, and that some sort of (rubber etc) protection would be a good idea.

Re drain plug - I personally don't see the need, it is just an extra point to leak. If it is on the bottom of the tank it will be liable to snagging, or getting knocked. If its on the rear, then why not simply pull the hose off the pick up to drain?

I would like a tank like John's, that goes between the chassis rails behind the Transfer case, above/around the prop.

Alan

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Originally Posted by danialan

Hi Andrew,
I only have 15-20mm between my tanks and the floor. The front breather heads out over the chassis rails, and runs between the chassis and floor.

I meant with clearance for rock sliders/steps - that some of them bolt to the ends of the outriggers, and some others have straps that bolt onto one side of the outrigger. If you are going to sell these tanks it would make sense to make them so that they fit with the widest range of accessories.

Re: Bash plate - I realise some people like the perceived protection of a bash plate. I would be happy to have one without. I think a bash plate might encourage careless driving? Either way the mounts will potentially have to support some of the weight of a loaded defender when bellied. I also think the front of the tank will get peppered with stones, and that some sort of (rubber etc) protection would be a good idea.

Re drain plug - I personally don't see the need, it is just an extra point to leak. If it is on the bottom of the tank it will be liable to snagging, or getting knocked. If its on the rear, then why not simply pull the hose off the pick up to drain?

I would like a tank like John's, that goes between the chassis rails behind the Transfer case, above/around the prop.

Alan

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Thanks again Alan for more good input, I'm aiming for about 15-20mm clearance when I make the new wood mock up. Would be a good idea to see a few of the aftermarket side steps and how they mount, so if anyone happens to have some pics be great thanks. Otherwise they will just have to buy mine:D

Still think a drain plug would be good as it can be put in an easy to get to spot on the rear end of the tank and be at least twice the size of the pick up outlet. But how often do you need to drain your tank? Water, dirty fuel? Will give it some more thought when working out where all the fittings will go.

Yes I will be making sure stones won't be able to pepper any part of the tank, rubber and or steel guards if needed.

I also would be happy without the bash plate but like you said many would like the idea of more protection. We are planning a central Australian outback trip next year so I can do some real world testing. Will have to do some extreme rock crawling too around here too :angel:

And Johns tank sounds good in theory but I've had a good look under my 130 and it wouldn't work for me. But mine is isuzu, LT95 and a 3" exhaust right in the middle of that space. Other models may work and is something I can have look at if there is enough interest. Also down the track I can look at other tanks such as a water tank for under the rear seat of a 130 dual cab...

Cheers, Andrew.

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Originally Posted by Shingleback

Would be a good idea to see a few of the aftermarket side steps and how they mount, so if anyone happens to have some pics be great thanks. Otherwise they will just have to buy mine:D

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There's some photos of the LandyBitz sliders in my build thread (shameless plug):

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/showthread...75#post2540175

Happy to help with more photos or dimensions if needed.

Usually get down to Beechworth once or twice a year to enjoy a beer at the brewery and a meal at Provenance. Will have to look you up next time we're down there.

Meanwhile, I'll be watching this thread with interest.

Cheers,
Jon

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Originally Posted by jon3950

There's some photos of the LandyBitz sliders in my build thread (shameless plug):

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/showthread...75#post2540175

Happy to help with more photos or dimensions if needed.

Usually get down to Beechworth once or twice a year to enjoy a beer at the brewery and a meal at Provenance. Will have to look you up next time we're down there.

Meanwhile, I'll be watching this thread with interest.

Cheers,
Jon

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I'll check it out, thanks Jon. And look us up for sure, see you then.

Cheers, Andrew.

Re: drain, if the transfer outlet on the tank is at the bottom than this would become a drain by just pulling the hose off. If the transfer pipe enters the top of the tank than maybe a drain could be handy.

I made a steel 42 liter sill tank about 10 years ago, it rubber mounted using land rover shock absorber rubber washers, so it doesn't have to flex with the car. Its never been damaged , because its just above the chassis rails they ground out first and it comes down only about 40 mm below the sills on the outside. Mudflaps protect the front from most stone damage, I touch it up every few years with underbody sealer. It has a land rover defender fuel level sender fitted inside, so when I change tanks the gauge changes as well.
I'm very interested in a water tank for the LHS.
cheers simmo

Great idea. I would be interested in getting some extra range out of my 90...

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Originally Posted by barkingmad

Great idea. I would be interested in getting some extra range out of my 90...

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Stay tuned, if I get enough interest I'll make one for a 90 for sure. Maybe I should run a poll?
Cheers,
Andrew.

Count me in for two sets for the 130 chassis. If I can be of any assistance let me know

Regards
Richo130

1978 S3 wagon
1995 Defender 130
2001 Discovery
2014 Range Rover Sport

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Originally Posted by Shingleback

Stay tuned, if I get enough interest I'll make one for a 90 for sure. Maybe I should run a poll?
Cheers,
Andrew.

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I don't have my 90 anymore but in my opinion they are in need of tanks the most. First mod I made to mine.