Box at the fuel fill

[4x4_76]

I posted this to my build thread, too, but no answers yet. So, anyone knows that what is the purpose of the metalbox at the fuel fill, one that's spot welded to fuel fill opening? Does it prevent fumes getting to passenger compartment, or to guide fuel spills to ground?

 

[dyeager535]

What year truck?

I'm not imagining what you are talking about..pics?

 

[4x4_76]

Oh yeah, it's an -82 Suburban. And that box is sandwiched between the outer and inner sheet. I go and take a pic.

 

[uao85]

Oh yeah, it's an -82 Suburban. And that box is sandwiched between the outer and inner sheet. I go and take a pic.

I would imagine it is just to secure it in place while keeping it from rattling or vibrating while driving. If it could rattle to the point of rubbing and creating sparks around that cap, it could theoretically ignite the gas fumes. Even though your truck looks like its equiped with a diesel engine, its an assembly line thing, if one gets it, they all get it. Just like dual tank equiped trucks. Even though alot of trucks only have 1 tank, they still have that little hump on the other side just inside the bed.

Remington

 

[dyeager535]

Interesting. I've never split the sheetmetal apart on these things, but on my K5, I've got a piece of plastic bolted in there, and the fill neck bolts to it.

My body is an '86, so maybe it's a year difference, and/or that it's a suburban.

 

[4x4_76]

I went to look at the -80 K5 body, and there seem to be piece of steel sheet, where the fill neck is bolted. Coudn't have a good look because the right side is so close to the wall in my garage.

Reason I'm asking the purpose of that box because I'm relocating the filler opening to the left side of the 'Burban, front of the rear wheel opening. And there's no way that box fits there.

But if it's more of a gasser related part, I won't bother making any to diesel 'Burban.

Thanks.

 

[dyeager535]

Well I suppose the fill neck is probably pretty stiff so it won't allow much movement, but then again, it runs across the top of the frame rail, which may induce movement at the fill cap area.

As long as it doesn't hit sheetmetal and make a bunch of noise, probably doesn't matter, assuming the hose clamps and nipples hold up to the vibration.