Gas Tank Shield

[Bob Chadwick]

I've been painting the rear portion of my frame with POR15 with the car on the frame. I have finished from the cross member in front of the differential through the differential carrier and now need to do the rear frame rails. I have decent access to the rails but the gas tank shield blocks part of it.

In looking at the AIM, it appears I have access to all the screws to loosen the shield from the underside of the car with the gas tank in place. My question is how much wiggle room is this going to give me to to work around it and access the frame members with a paint brush? I don't want to drop the gast tank as it is about 1/2 full of gas.

 

[Paul Borowski]

Bob, I just removed that today on my '75-it's going to stay out too. Even if you do loosen it, there's not much "wiggle" room. It sure won't go up probably 1/2" without hitting the underside of the rear decklid. I was dropping my tank anyways to replace the fuel lines, so I took it out. All that stupid thing does is trap dirt, stones, tar against various areas of the frame.

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Paul,

Thanks for the input.

Are you sure its not a safety item? I remember the Pinto when it used to burst into flames and all they added was a shield to stop it.

Bob

 

[Paul Borowski]

Paul,

Thanks for the input.

Are you sure its not a safety item? I remember the Pinto when it used to burst into flames and all they added was a shield to stop it.
Bob [/B]

Bob, yeah, maybe it is, but '53-'74 Corvettes did'nt have one and as cheap and tinny(just thin sheet metal)that it is, it seems to be doing more harm than good. I mean, it's not like I removing a "fuel cell" out of a NASCAR.