Question about the gas tank
 

What holds the black plastic shield to the gas tank? I just go this truck and it has a new gas tank but the black plastic shield is zip tied on. I'm pretty sure it didn't come from the factory with zip ties... Can someone help me figure out how to fix this the right way?

Thanks.

Re: Question about the gas tank
 

Toss it, IMO. Their primary pupose is to hold mud/dirt up against the tank so it will rust out.

Re: Question about the gas tank
 

I tossed mine as well. To me, the plastic does more harm then good. I took off the plastic covers and there was mud caked inbetween them and the gas tanks. The truck had not seen the mud in 6 months. Not to mention the mud was still wet! I was forced to replace the gas tank because it had rusted through.

Re: Question about the gas tank
 

As stated before, toss the plastic. I had to replace both of my tanks due to the plastic holding rocks, mud, and water. Where they didn't rust, the rocks had started rubbing holes in the metal. But to answer your question, mine were held on by a screw that went from the top down through the strap on the bottom of the tank bracket. These also encourage the brackets to rust out, and I really don't like stopping to pick up gas tanks on the road!

Re: Question about the gas tank
 

Thanks for the replies. I didn't consider the plastic trapping mud and water.

Re: Question about the gas tank
 

weren't thos plastic the things that were suppoused to help in the event of a side impact? I wouldn't get rid of them but id clean them once in a while flush out mud.. they were held onto the bottom of the tank bracket with a bolt IIRC

Re: Question about the gas tank
 

Looks more like skid protection, just to thicken the tank so things would have a tougher time puncturing it. Don't help much if the skid protection punctures the tank though.

Re: Question about the gas tank
 

Do you guys think it would defeat the purpose of the skid protection if I drilled holes in it to drain moisture out?

Re: Question about the gas tank
 

The long black plastic piece is just a stone shield. The recall part that protects from side impact was around the filler neck (see below)

Re: Question about the gas tank
 

There should be a bolt that holds it on from the bottom. It screws into one of the support braces.

Yes, they do hold water and mud. Found that out when mine rusted through. I just cleaned it up, drilled a few holes about 1/2" in diameter, and haven't had a problem since.

Re: Question about the gas tank
 

That's what I'll do.

Re: Question about the gas tank
 

this is what my pass. side shield looked, 28lbs of crud. this was the good side, drivers side was worse & rotted a hole in tank. i ditched mine, but if you keep 'em, defenatly drill some holes .got 2 used ones in my shop if ya want

Re: Question about the gas tank
 

dam that could increase your gas mileage!

Re: Question about the gas tank
 

I agree both my tanks rusted out from crap caught in the plastic covers.I only drive on sealed roads so just got rid of them.

Re: Question about the gas tank
 

I left my shields on, but put some epoxy primer and painted mine black before i put them back on. I will see how they hold up.

The shields are held on by bolts attached to the tank brackets... Should be one and one on the side, then they are attached to the frame, but i just attached them to the bracket.