fuel tank cover?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 284
Likes: 16
From: St Louis MO http://1972corvetterestomod.blogspot.com/
fuel tank cover?
This cover on the back of my fuel tank was found all cracked up when the body came off, but can't find one in the aftermarket. OK not to use at all you think? Thanks! 
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
Anyone know why they started using them on some of the C3's ? I'm assuming that it was an extra safety measure for rear end collisions to help prevent puncture of the gas tank since there were Ford Pintos catching on fire around the same time when hit in the rear. My 72 has one and I put it back on for that reason.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 284
Likes: 16
From: St Louis MO http://1972corvetterestomod.blogspot.com/
Anyone know why they started using them on some of the C3's ? I'm assuming that it was an extra safety measure for rear end collisions to help prevent puncture of the gas tank since there were Ford Pintos catching on fire around the same time when hit in the rear. My 72 has one and I put it back on for that reason.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,285
Likes: 4,374
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi MS,
It mounts exactly like your picture shows. It's held in place by the 2 tank straps. it doesn't touch the body in any way.
The various larger vendors, like Paragon for instance (#11606), offer the plastic shield.
My understanding is that the shield was placed there so that in the event of a rear end collision the gas from the punctured tank wouldn't splash back on the car that had done the hitting and catch it on fire too.
Regards,
Alan
It mounts exactly like your picture shows. It's held in place by the 2 tank straps. it doesn't touch the body in any way.
The various larger vendors, like Paragon for instance (#11606), offer the plastic shield.
My understanding is that the shield was placed there so that in the event of a rear end collision the gas from the punctured tank wouldn't splash back on the car that had done the hitting and catch it on fire too.
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Nov 18, 2014 at 08:40 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 284
Likes: 16
From: St Louis MO http://1972corvetterestomod.blogspot.com/
Thanks Alan... I think I know how it installs, but I've been wondering about a mod to protect the back of the fuel tank better from puncture. Is there room for example to weld some extra bracing on the rear frame cross member? Do you have a pic of the space?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,285
Likes: 4,374
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi,
There are about 5" from the rear crossmember to the tail-light panel
Some of this is taken up with the bumper brackets.
Say your prayers at night and worry about something other than that tank.
Regards,
Alan
There are about 5" from the rear crossmember to the tail-light panel
Some of this is taken up with the bumper brackets.
Say your prayers at night and worry about something other than that tank.
Regards,
Alan
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 284
Likes: 16
From: St Louis MO http://1972corvetterestomod.blogspot.com/
