Fuel tank pad

[shadango]

 I did a search and found only a couple references...none of which were very final.

Looking to find out the best thing to use for the gas tank pad.

New ones of the foam variety run $15-20....original "felt" are over $100.

Some folks mentioned they were worried about moisture retention issues and rust with the pad. SOme folks mentioned closed cell foam, some used tar paper...

Do you have to use the pad? My car doesnt have one (removed by the shop who had dropped the tank i am sure....I didnt notice squeaks or anything specifically that I could attribute to the tank.

I am thinking of riveting my spare tire bracket in and though clearance does not appear to be an issue, thought having a pad there might give me that added measure of security....but I also dont want to trap moisture and cause a rusted tank later on....

Thoughts?

[Alaskan_TA]

One of the vendors is working to reproduce them correctly.

[Chryco Psycho]

I have used closed cell foam & tar coated cardboard , I would imagine even the foam will trap some moisture although it cannnot absorb it , I definatly recommend using something in there

[shadango]

By chance anyone have a picture?  Wondering if I can find a cheap sustitute locally versus $15-20 for a piece of foam...LOL

No one sees it when installed so I am not concerned about it being "correct" so much as I I dont want to cause problems by having the wrong thing or having nothing in there.....

[Bullitt-]

  I've wrestled with this idea for some time, what the factory used worked pretty well as there was little rust, none of which was serious, above the tank. I purchased closed cell foam in bulk for other applications & plan to use for a tank pad, it is water proof & has excellent sound proofing properties. I also observed that anywhere there was undercoat that there was no rust so my plan is to apply rattle-can undercoat to the bottom of the trunk pan where the foam will contact. Time will tell but I don't anticipate any long term issues with this two prong apprach.
    Doubt if you'll get away with spending less than $20 in the end.
Check with your local upholstery shops especially those that cater to the marine customer.   

[burdar]

For years I've heard people say to just use tar paper.  I'm just going to glue a few pieces together so it is as thick as the factory pad and be done with it.  The only place on my origonal tank that was NOT rusty was under the factory pad.  My car won't be a daily driver so moisture shouldn't be a problem as far as I'm concerned.

[shadango]

I went ahead and ordered a foam pad.

Kills me spending $23 (with shipping) for a piece of foam rubber.

But I guess you play you gotta pay.  LOL

I did end up riveting the spare bracket in....seems like it will be fine.

WHile I was back there I decided to go ahead and strip as much of the cheap splatter paint they used when they put my car together.....not as bad as I thought......it will be nice to have a totally green trunk to match the rest of my car versus that ugly greay splatter paint that got slimy every time it got wet.

[71chally416]

A piece of tar paper the right size is fine. That's what I have on mine. All the original pads I've ever seen look just like it and appear to be something very simlilar. Isolate the tank from the body and don't absorb moisture that can cause rust. Isn't that the goal? 

[Topcat]

A piece of tar paper the right size is fine. That's what I have on mine. All the original pads I've ever seen look just like it and appear to be something very simlilar. Isolate the tank from the body and don't absorb moisture that can cause rust. Isn't that the goal? 

And perhaps to eliminate rubbing steel to steel and static electricity. Even though the tank is grounded.

[71chally416]

 

[shadango]

Well, had I had a roll of tar paper around, may have tried it.   

But didn't so I figured what the heck.

Its only money....LOL 

[71chally416]

My boss (at the time) had a partial roll in the back of the shop so I got it free. Most any home improvement or roofing guy would have some in his truck or trailer and would sell a piece big enough for a buck or two, or probably just give it to you. 

[71chally416]

A 216 sq ft roll is less than $20 at Lowe's. 

[quapman]

I used a piece of foam that was left over from my garage doors. I'm not doing a concours resto.

Free or $9500 depending how you look at it.

[somedaysoon]

 I reused my original, but I think if I were to try something different I'd use the stuff you put down on the floor underneath laminate. It is pliable somewhat thick and I believe waterproof.  Pete