Fuel tank skid plates?

[K5DRAGER]

Was wondering if the factory skid plate will offer enough protection or should I fab up a heavy duty one. I don't have a factory one right now ( I think the previous owner put in a new gas tank and never reinstalled the skid plate ). Was curious if it was worth searching out a factory one or just make a new better one ? Thanks.

 

[m j]

they trap debris and moisture and rot your fuel tank out

formerly 77chev
still a jerk though

 

[2Dogs]

MJ,
I have been thinking about that same thing. Do you think it would work to fill the space with the spray foam stuff?
It is insulation material on hot tubs so should not retain water.
And it will offer extra cushion.....

Dave

Rehab is for quitters.
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[Depdog]

My stock one seems to be holding up well. I left just a small gap between it and the tank when I raised it. Lets me wash out the dirt and mud.

Depdog

<font color=blue>Weenie K5, little mods' Small Tires!</font color=blue>

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[Can Can]

Just a note, mj, they only cause problems with corrosion if you don't keep the gap between the tank and the skidplate free of debris. Every time I wash the truck, I make sure to get the spray nozzle into the gap and spray it out. The skidplate is factory and I have never had a tank problem.......



<font color=red>A POLAR BEAR ATE MY PET PENGUIN</font color=red>

 

[m j]

i dunno about that stuff. I know someone who insulated their whole cab with it and it seems to have weathered for years with no problem.


formerly 77chev
still a jerk though

 

[POWERMAD]

I dunno mj.
I have a plate that I need to put on mine.
Ya oughta see my gas tank.
It has some nice creases in it from dragging it over stuff.
I think that a coat of Por 15 will take care of any corrossion problem that might devolop.
Or any kind of under coating.
Maybe a seal of the goo around the edges to keep out gravel to stop a hole from wearing would be a good idea.


<font color=green> Too bad ignorance isn't painful </font color=green>

 

[K5DRAGER]

Hey everyone thanks for the responses, but I already knew that mud sometimes can get trapped up there. What I was wondering was if they are strong enough? Or if anyone had had them fail, you know ...get crushed or collapse against the tank while dragging them against a rock or something?

 

[bigjbear]

The only problem I have seen with them is if you get a rock between the skid &amp; tank, then put the weight of the truck on the skid. My friend had this happen. Ended up with a large dent in the skid and a small crack in the tank. Mine is holding up ok but is dented. As far as I know, these were factory installed ones on both trucks. I like the spray foam idea. I was thinking of using the minium expansion type. Anyone know for sure if it will/will not trap moisture?

Jim '80 GMC & '73 Blazer
Body by Tellico
<a target="_blank" href=http://www.tellicok5.rockcrawler.com>www.tellicok5.rockcrawler.com</a>

 

[2Dogs]

I deinstalled a hot tub once (at band camp) - the outside of the foam was moldy but the inside was crispy dry!

I'll try to buy a can and run an expirement.....

Dave

Rehab is for quitters.
<a target="_blank" href=http://coloradok5.com/gallery/Daves-Pics>http://coloradok5.com/gallery/Daves-Pics</a>

 

[tRustyK5]

I used to work for a company that built small open fishing boats. They were purpose built for fishing lodges and were supposed to be of the 'unsinkable' type

The entire hull area under the floor was filled with the expanding foam for floatation. When they were new the hull could be 'holed' and the boat would not sink. After about 4 years all the boats came back to have the foam stripped out because it actually absorbed water slowly...the boats were sitting lower and lower in the water and were judged to be unsafe.
The foam used was the expanding urethane foam...I don't know for sure about other types of spray foams though.

If the underside surface of the tank was coated with Por-15 first then I don't suppose it would matter too much if the foam held a bit of moisture...it would keep the crud out and possibly cushion the tank.

Rene

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[jekbrown]

without going off on any tangents...yeah, for me the factory skid plate on my tank has been plenty strong. Additionally, if kept relatively clean it shouldn't be causing any corrosion probs.

I know some peeps are talking about spraying it out everytime they wash their rig...all I do is clean it when I actually remove the skid plate (maybe 1-2 times a year) and I have no rust probs at all..even in the Wet State.

J


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