Fuel Tank bash plate.

[~Rich~]

Hi guys,
I as probably others would like to have additional protection for the main fuel tank.
Yes there is a steel protection plate of sorts but it does not provide that much protection.

I have bent the plate quite a bit close to the back of the tank, this damage occurs when climbing rock steps just before the rear wheels start to climb.

The tank which is plastic actually sits on the standard steel protection plate, so if the steel is deformed the capacity of the plastic tank is reduced but not damaged.

I've seen some available in other countries but not here.
Gordon or others have you considered making them?

Cheers Rich

[gghaggis]

Yes, I had a D4 for a day when my car went in for service last week, so started drawing up

a) a replacement plate
b) an add-on plate for the rear half

Will be a month or so before I make up a prototype.

Cheers,

Gordon

[LandyAndy]

Bloody hell Gordon,you cant start warning people what you are going to do
Andrew

[Geedublya]

I desire such a thing, as well as something to protect the pipes when they go under the half shafts.

[BMKal]

Yes, I had a D4 for a day when my car went in for service last week, so started drawing up

a) a replacement plate
b) an add-on plate for the rear half

Will be a month or so before I make up a prototype.

Cheers,

Gordon

If they find out you've been measuring up their loan cars for mods ........... next time you're booked in for a service, they might give you .......... a HiLux.

Mine's booked in for a service at Barbagallo next Tuesday - wonder what they'll give me this time (has always been a Freelander so far ).

Now that I'm at home with a bit more time to crawl under the vehicle and have a play, will be contacting you for a set of rods and a compressor guard in the near future.

Just in the process of sorting out lights again, plus a set of drawers and fridge slide in the back.

[Tombie]

You mean like this?
Attachment 89885

Attachment 89886

Which was replaced and then fitted with...
Attachment 89887

Attachment 89888

[~Rich~]

Yep, except mine is worse than that!

Did you make up that plate yourself Tombie?

What was it like getting the old one out without completely dropping the plastic tank?

I gather you may have put the old one back one after some panel beating and it's under the new bash plate.

[Tombie]

It was an interesting job...

Heat shield for tank next to tail shaft needs moving out the way.
Then lowered the rear of the factory plate just enough to run a strap under the tank (tank was at about 15litres at the time)
Wrapped this around the chassis and tightened to hold tank up.
Supported under rear of steel plate.
Moved to front of tank and repeated same.

You can not let the tank drop too far or you will snap the fuel lines / connectors.

Then man handled the tank guard out the way and had a replacement standing by...

The juggle was to then hold that up (knees, gut, elbows, etc) and get a bolt to take up thread, up front.

Repeated this at the rear and then removed the straps... That was fun!

Then sequenced around the tank guard, lifting tank and guard into place.

Then dropped a bolt here and there to fit the secondary guard underneath.

Refitted the heat shield and tentatively started the vehicle checking for leaks... All good...

It took approximately 3 tank fills and a few hot days driving for the plastic tank to then return to its original shape.

Plate was shipped express Air from Devon 4x4 UK as I couldn't be bothered making one myself...

[Tombie]

I have seen a few factory guards where they have welded strapping onto the guard to strengthen...

[LandyAndy]

If they find out you've been measuring up their loan cars for mods ........... next time you're booked in for a service, they might give you .......... a HiLux.

Mine's booked in for a service at Barbagallo next Tuesday - wonder what they'll give me this time (has always been a Freelander so far ).

Now that I'm at home with a bit more time to crawl under the vehicle and have a play, will be contacting you for a set of rods and a compressor guard in the near future.

Just in the process of sorting out lights again, plus a set of drawers and fridge slide in the back.

Not at Southerns mate.They hold him higher than The Stig.I rekon they think the man can walk on water

Andrew