What do most people put under the gas tank?

I removed my gas tank to install the side steps. Once it was out, I decided that I would paint it black (new tank and came painted silver for some reason.) I sprayed it with a rattle can of Rustoleum bed liner thinking that it would give it an extra padding of protection. I thought about putting down some friction tape or something to insulate the tank from the metal floorboard. What do most people do?

 

There is supposed to be a couple welt type strips under it. I didn't use them on mine, I was afraid of them causing rot. I instead used some 1/4 thick strips of old conveyor rubber. They are also handy so I can wash under the tank with a hose and not have to worry about the water getting mopped up and trapped.

 

Ok, I was thinking they used the welting stuff that the flattys used. I'll shut up!

 

Since mine didn't have anything under it (removed by PO) I used a couple of cheap rubber flat bungee cords. Worked well for me. Gave an air gap that I could blow out dirt and debris but still spaced the tank right in the filler opening. They also don't hold moisture so less chance of rotting the tub or tank which is a real issue up here


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I used some roofing "torch down" under my tank after I resealed it. I had a big scrap of it leftover from a job at work.

I like the rubber bungee cord idea a lot

 

anything that waont hold moisture should be fine...I had a jeep years ago and the po used outdoor carpet..bad idea

 

I like the bungee cord idea as well, I have tons of them so I could sacrifice a couple. My original tank had nothing under it, it was just sitting on the floorboards. Thanks for all the ideas!

 

I had another idea. I wonder if I could find some kind of a shutoff valve that would fit in-line between the tank and the fuel line so if/when I need to remove the tank again, I don't get fuel running down my arm as I disconnect the line.

 

It might be better to put a T-fitting in an easily accessible part of the fuel line and put a drain value or a simple plug in the T so that you could easily drain the tank before removing it. Getting the fuel out would be safer and it would reduce the amount of weight when trying to lift the tank out.

 

I keep body rot under mine.
One more serious note, something is holding it up, I think it's two strips of wood. I hate it, everything that falls under the floor gets stuck under the gas tank.

 

On the shutoff valve note, my cj-5 has been stolen twice. The first time in 1980 the thieves didn't know how to drive and burned the clutch out. The police found it sitting at an intersection with the engine still running. The next time, which was in the mid 80's, they thieves took it boondocking and got it stuck in the mud.

Anyway, because it easy to steal, I had to find a way to keep the jeep from getting too far from home, so i put a Kohler fuel shutoff valve in it. Of course then "The club" anti-theft steering wheel locker became available and I no longer used the valve, so I have since yanked it out, but I just wanted to mention it because a shutoff is handy to have.

 

Since you are going back original my vote would be for the oak strip. I have one that is President Red that you can have if you want it. It is very solid.

 

I had no idea they originally sat up on strips of wood, that's just weird. I don't think the mounting strap is long enough to support the tank sitting that high off the floor.

 

I used a big truck mud flap (Rubber) with holes cut out. Then it does not rub metal to metal. It is about 1/4 " thick. I ended up making a new top strap to hold it down. Keeps it from sliding around.

 

Hi Everyone

I am not sure if this is what you want to hear being that my CJ5 is a lowly plow truck. I moved it (the gas tank) to the rear compartment where I am assuming there must have been a smaller bench set. I welded two pieces of steel angle iron to support it and used a cut up inner tube from my race car days. I had some steel strapping and I wrapped that also with the inner tube material and that holds the gas tank to the angle brackets. So basically all the areas that the steel tank hits other steel it actually rests on the inner tube material.

It may not be pretty but so far it is working.
MikeC

 

I used a sheet of thin rubber mat that had a cordoroy ribbing on one side (tool box liner?). Placed it ribbed side down so any moisture would dry. Too thin to allow anything other than dust under there. Happen to recently pull the tank for body mount work and after 10 years I'm pleased to see it's done it's job well.

 

I tried thinner stuff in the past and the combination of dirt/dust and moisture would cake up and rust out the bottom of the tank. After having this happen twice I went with the slightly thicker stuff where I could blow out or wash out the debris and haven't had an issue since. Your mmv depending on climate. It's a real issue up here.


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I think I'm going to try the bungee cord idea. I am trying to stay 99% stock but this is one of the 1% that I can cheat without anybody knowing. Plus I can easily change my mind later.