Fuel tank insulator?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 107
Likes: 12
From: New York
Fuel tank insulator?
I am putting my 1981 back together after sitting for about 15 years. I'm looking to replace what the AIM identifies as "Insulator-Fuel Tank". It installs on the top of the tank between the tank and the body and my build sheet was attached to it. I Cannot find it in any catalogs and Ecklers referred me to Corvette Generations. I spoke with Wally who has removed about 350 fuel tanks and has never heard of or seen this part. My question is: has anyone else found this part on their C3 and if so did you find a replacement and where? I can reuse mine but prefer a new one if I can find it. Attached are some photos. The photo not showing the partial build sheet is the correct positioning.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 308
Likes: 42
From: Dundee MI
My 81 also had one. It wasn't in the position it should have been and wasn't attached to anything. I'm not sure how it's supposed to be held in place and or what it should be fastened to, the body or the tank. I'm not convinced it's really needed so I don't have any plans on putting it back in. Hope this helps.....
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 107
Likes: 12
From: New York
I've been following your thread. you're doing some very impressive work. keep it up. The AIM says there's some adhesive backing and believe it was attached to the tank. I agree, it might not be needed. ill be advised when I install everything as to if i will reinstall it. Not gonna go crazy finding it and i didn't think i had the rare corvette with it but I was shocked that guy never saw 1.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 308
Likes: 42
From: Dundee MI
The way they were originally attached may explain why Wally hasn't seen one. Haha! I understand the intent , but the execution on mounting the part is a little weak. Adhesive will only last so long before they would come lose and fall off. Maybe someone else will have more info on the part they can share. I'm just making a calculated guess it's not needed, plus I don't want to mess up that nice paint job on my tank. Haha!
I guess if you knew what type of material it was made out of you could buy the material and make a new one yourself. It seems to be some kind of high density foam, but there are so many different types of foam I wouldn't know which one it could be. I'm sure someone would know, or maybe you could send someone a sample so they could identify it. Not sure, but it could be an option.
Thanks for the compliment on the thread. If everything goes well this summer we will see some paint by fall. Good luck on your quest!
I guess if you knew what type of material it was made out of you could buy the material and make a new one yourself. It seems to be some kind of high density foam, but there are so many different types of foam I wouldn't know which one it could be. I'm sure someone would know, or maybe you could send someone a sample so they could identify it. Not sure, but it could be an option.
Thanks for the compliment on the thread. If everything goes well this summer we will see some paint by fall. Good luck on your quest!
Last edited by Johnnycyclone; Jun 19, 2017 at 10:36 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 397
Likes: 77
From: Jasper, GA
I am putting my 1981 back together after sitting for about 15 years. I'm looking to replace what the AIM identifies as "Insulator-Fuel Tank". It installs on the top of the tank between the tank and the body and my build sheet was attached to it. I Cannot find it in any catalogs and Ecklers referred me to Corvette Generations. I spoke with Wally who has removed about 350 fuel tanks and has never heard of or seen this part. My question is: has anyone else found this part on their C3 and if so did you find a replacement and where? I can reuse mine but prefer a new one if I can find it. Attached are some photos. The photo not showing the partial build sheet is the correct positioning.
Attachment 48105043
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Richard
