Gas Tank Cover Installation

[ckrueger]

For those that have built the complete kit, how many have used the the plastic protective tub that came with the new tank? I was thinking of not using it. I have sent the tank out for powder coating and was going to leave it at that.

[edwardb]

I responded on the similar post you put on the other forum. But FWIW will repeat here as some don't visit both sites.

I left the cover off my Mk3 build and powder coated the tank, similar to what you are describing. Three years on the road and it still looks brand new. Given the fewer number of miles we put on our cars compared to DD's, plus most of us aren't off-roading them ;) so I don't think protection is a big issue. The tank is visible on a Mk3, so I like the look a little better without the cover.

For my Mk4, did the same thing, e.g. powder coated the tank and left off the cover. I'm now finding that it's not nearly as visible due to the lower body rear on the Mk4. But I'm OK with it that way.

I used 3/8 inch closed cell self-adhesive foam on the straps to cushion against the tanks. Has worked fine for both builds.

[ckrueger]

Thanks Edward. More to think about.

[Gumball]

Neoprene sheeting would be a good choice for something to put between the straps and the tank. McMaster Carr sells small sections of that in various lengths, some of it even with adhesive backing on one side.

[VdubJoe]

Used mine think it looks better with it. Spent the saved powder coating money on something else.

Joe

[skullandbones]

I installed my cover, too. I spent a lot of time "reclaiming" the tank from it's original condition to almost new. I like the look and the protective aspect of it.

WEK.

[2bking]

I am using the cover. I think it's a safety issue rather than cosmetic. In the event of an accident, it will help to prevent the tank from being punctured or ruptured.

[Avalanche325]

Chances are you will never need your seatbelts. I recommend you install them.

The tank cover is a safety item. Install it. If you don't like the look, get a fuel cell.

[DaleG]

Chances are you will never need your seatbelts. I recommend you install them.

The tank cover is a safety item. Install it. If you don't like the look, get a fuel cell.

Just plain old common sense; supplied for a reason. Maybe trackable to a safety recall issue by one of the majors.

[ckrueger]

Got it. Think I will scuff it up and give it a good coating of POR 15 and install with the cover. Thx for the replies.

[edwardb]

Chances are you will never need your seatbelts. I recommend you install them.

The tank cover is a safety item. Install it. If you don't like the look, get a fuel cell.

Wow. Not remotely a similar comparison. Really thought about not responding. But just question anyone thinking that thin plastic cover on only the bottom half of the tank provides much safety, e.g. is going to offer any more than token resistance in a collision. Everything I've read for the tank cover says it's mainly an appearance item, covering the bare metal/silver color of the tank thereby cleaning up the rear/underneath appearance of the Mustangs it was designed for. Plus it cushions the metal tank from the straps. I do agree it offers some protection against dents, scratches, perhaps even a bit more. Useful for the driving environment of a daily use car that includes dirt roads, gravel, rutted roads with high centers, and so on. Not so important for how and where we drive our cars IMO. In the end I believe this is a personal choice and has little to do with safety. If you feel better with it on, obviously go for it. But please don't compare it to safety belts or that the tank with cover belongs in the same conversation as a fuel cell.

[2bking]

I know a rear end collision on some cars caused the gas tank to be punctured by the bolt heads on the axle cover and the solution was to put a plastic guard between the parts. I agree the cover on the tank doesn't offer much protection in a lot of scenarios but it helps. It also offers some protection against punctures from road debris and scrapes.

[DaleG]

I know a rear end collision on some cars caused the gas tank to be punctured by the bolt heads on the axle cover and the solution was to put a plastic guard between the parts. I agree the cover on the tank doesn't offer much protection in a lot of scenarios but it helps. It also offers some protection against punctures from road debris and scrapes.

Yeah, could be the difference between a dent and a hole in the tank. Each to there own preference and risk tolerance, though.