Gas tank in the cabin - safety

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by franken

Similarly, gas tanks were in the cab for about 50 years until 72. Hmm.

Yes, and IIRC, old VW Beetles had the gas tank almost in your lap, part of the crush zone in a head-on collision. Millions of Beetles were sold worldwide. I don't recall hearing about widespread fire danger with them.

[Steeveedee]

I've seen VWs that burned when the fuel hose on the fuel pump cracked due to heat from the exhaust manifold and leaked. It would flow from the gas tank and keep the fire going. I always checked that hose when I did any kind of service on a VW. Still, not that common a problem.

[Accelo]

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

I've seen VWs that burned when the fuel hose on the fuel pump cracked due to heat from the exhaust manifold and leaked. It would flow from the gas tank and keep the fire going. I always checked that hose when I did any kind of service on a VW. Still, not that common a problem.

I was in a Square Back when it burnt to the ground. The truck driver behind me said flames shot out 3' from both windows. It was the second fire while I was inside. The second was from an un-fused circuit to the gasoline heater installed in the front trunk. Shorted and the whole wire was red-hot. I pulled a fence board from the guy's fence we parked next to and used it to pull the wire off. Otherwise, it could have been a total loss like the first one.
Never owned another VW after that and never will.

[MikeB]

Originally Posted by Rufas

Back in the early 90's NBC faked a segment on exploding gas tanks in GM pickups involved in accidents.

Very typical of network news shows. CBS 60 Minutes crucified Audi for unintended acceleration. It was totally bogus. No way, no how would that car have accelerated with the brake pedal depressed even with the throttle pedal floored. In fact that's true of just about any car, even back in the 80s.

Found this: 60 Minutes ran a story on the Audi 5000 in 1986, claiming that it accelerated suddenly on its own. However, the demonstration used a rigged car whose transmission had been altered. Government agencies vindicated the car, but Audi's sales were affected. 60 minutes never apologized to Audi.

Arrogant, ratings chasing SOBs. Too bad Audi didn't sue their asses off.