Vixen fuel tank

[tomtrout]

Sorry if this has popped up before but I wondered if there is supposed to be an insulation strip (rubber/neoprene)on the inside of the steel straps that secure the original fuel tank to the rear well. My gut instincts tell me that a rubber strip will help to grip the tank and reduce any likely vibrations although I'm also aware that an insultion strip on the bottom of the tank might trap moisture. Also what's the consencus on the fuel drain hole. Should the gap between fuel tank and the hole in the bodywork be sealed in any way? If not then it's obviously an area where moisture can get in but it is also the lowest point for moisture to get out - so perhaps shouldn't be sealed?

[Moto]

Andy, I can't remember for sure but I don't think there was any rubber insulation under the straps. On a slightly different note, one thing I regret not improving was securing the spare in situ. I really don't feel comfortable having approx 25kg of spare wheel behind me, held in place with one bolt going through the ply, which in turn is held in place with some self tappers. In a severe accident I'm not convinced it would stop the spare travelling at 70mph.... ouch! Just a thought while you're at it.

Moto

[ATE399J]

Pretty sure I put some rubber between the straps and the tank, why wouldn't you?

As for the vent, I have one on the top of the tank that has nowhere to go apart from draining it through the bottom of the car. I think it's supposed to join up to a vent tube in the filler neck but mine was "removed" by a previous owner so I can't connect it.

P.

[oldgeebee]

On the M-series they had foam rubber between the strap and the tank. They also had a felt lining which held the water and rusted through the bottom of the tank from the outside - see picture below from my 3000S project:-



I would definitely put some insulation on the metal straps and I would also try to find a way to make the boot drain better or at least support the tank away from anything that can hold moisture and rot it - or fit a stainless/ali tank that won't rot.

GB

[tomtrout]

Thanks all. Looks like there is supposed to be a strip of rubber under the straps. I'm not worried about the vent - that end all makes sense to me. I guess the orignal cars had some sort of big rubber plug or stopper to stop water getting in via the 2" hole that services the fuel tank drain plug? I guess if this isn't plugged then any water that does get in just drains straight back out again? The question is to plug or not to plug?

Good point about the spare wheel Moto. Just as well I haven't got one! I was pondering if I should try and find one, or keep one of those silly emergency puncture aerosal kits in the car. I can't imagine them working although my wife's Smart roadster doesn't even have a spare and has the aerosal kit as standard equipment. I must admit it would be nice to have some space in the rear of the car. Has anybody had any experience using the puncture kits?

[jpa]

I would seal the hole in the bodywork somehow. I assume this would suck exhaust fumes in as the rear light seals do when they are not fully air tight. I ended up sealing mine fully and just check the rear of the car if used in heavy rain for any water that may have settled.

[ATE399J]

tomtrout said:

I guess the orignal cars had some sort of big rubber plug or stopper to stop water getting in via the 2" hole that services the fuel tank drain plug?

2" hole, mine has a very elegant square of Ali over it attacked with self tappers (or rivets - can't remember). Since my tank doesn't have a drain point I've always wondered what that hole was for!

P.

[yodel]

Tyre foam we use all the time on our vans. Apart from big holes it seals fine. You wont get a tyre repaired after you've used it though but we just carry on until the tyre wears out. Probably not what you want to do with your pride and joy but it certainly gets you out of a mess and is very convenient.