1986 Fuel tank shroud

[Dannyboy1966]

I have read about the damage these covers around the fuel tanks can cause. The previous owner had even warned me not to use the driver side tank because it had a leak. Till now, the passenger side has started a small leak so I have ordered a pair of tanks to replace the ones I have. In the mean time I figured I would go ahead and drop the driver side tank cover to see how bad it was while I was waiting. OMG!!!!!! This is what I found!!!!

[lime1982]

Wow

[tucsonjwt]

I would leave those plastic rock guards off, because they trap dirt, water, debris, etc., and result in just what you see.

[gmachinz]

That and with modern priming/painting methods, a properly done set of NEW gas tanks should never do that again. I'd actually like to see a company offer plastic replacement tanks like new cars/trucks have-Id prefer to go that route.

[Dannyboy1966]

Originally Posted by gmachinz

That and with modern priming/painting methods, a properly done set of NEW gas tanks should never do that again. I'd actually like to see a company offer plastic replacement tanks like new cars/trucks have-Id prefer to go that route.

They do make the plastic tanks, but the cheapest I have found are almost $300 each. I've just made a couple sheet metal shrouds to put in front of the tank to protect it, along with rubber coating the tank.

[tucsonjwt]

I have seen a couple of off road guards for 4WD squares that I think were a factory option. They were just a flat piece of 1/8" metal that was open on all sides so debris could drain out and you could get a hose in between the tank and guard to clean it. The may have had an upturned section in the front but I don't remember exactly now. I still favor no guards at all.