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Fuel Tank Replacement Project: Neoprene Strips
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| VA Whaler |
Posted on 04/05/16 - 6:43 AM
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Has anyone here used neoprene strips when re-installing their internal fuel tank?
From what I have read it looks like most:
1) Use 2" wide strips
2) Offset the strips by about 10"
3) Run them just above the bottom of the cavity and up the "V" of the fuel tank cavity
4) Use them between any bracket and the wall of the tank.
This would allow for ample support, keep the tank from chafing against the belly of the tank cavity, and allow for better air circulation. The latter is not as critical for a poly tank but couldn't hurt.
I was on the McMaster-Carr site last night and they have a wide variety of neoprene to choose from. They even come with varying degrees of "softness" and thickness. So I'm not exactly sure what I should choose when re-installing my fuel tank.
If you could advise what size and type neoprene you'd recommend for a tank installation I'd sure appreciate it. Here is the page:
http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-neo...s/=11ulbs4
Part # 93695K59 might be a good option but I'm not sure if 1/4" thick is thick enough.
Thanks!
John
Edited by VA Whaler on 04/05/16 - 6:49 AM |
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| Reel Easy |
Posted on 04/05/16 - 10:02 AM
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VA: I have never replaced my tank but I have used neoprene for various applications in the past. The material is impervious to fuel and water making it one and done. Seems the size you selected would be fine. I would glue it to the coffin bottom either with the pre-glued or glue it yourself. Grainger also carries a broad selection of neoprene so you might check there also as the stuff is not cheap. Good luck.
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| VA Whaler |
Posted on 04/05/16 - 11:25 AM
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Thanks RE! Going blindly into this project I figured the rubber strips would not be too expensive....Wrong! 
Unless I hear otherwise I think I might go with that 50' roll of pre-glued, 1/4" thick, 2" wide neoprene to start.
Also thinking about constructing 4 "spacer assemblies" out of PVC/plastic lumber to fit on the corners of the tank to keep it from moving from side to side and forwards and back. I found some neoprene blocks for sale I could use but they are really expensive. The existing metal straps should keep it from bouncing up and down.
After all is said and done, foam would probably less expensive and trouble during the install but man that stuff is a pain to remove. (Hopefully that won't be a common occurrence )
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| bcoastal |
Posted on 04/05/16 - 12:32 PM
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10" spacing sounds like a lot. I ran mine on the bottom of tank going from bow to stern so water could not get trapped. I think I did 4 strips... I also used 5200 to keep them in place. Not sure about the preglued stuff.
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| VA Whaler |
Posted on 04/05/16 - 12:42 PM
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Thanks BCaostal. Good to talk to someone who has been there. I have a few more questions if you don't mind.
1) Do you recall the width, thickness and softness of your strips? (too many !$% choices )
2) Did you find it more affordable/convenient to just buy a sheet and cut the strips yourself or buy a roll of the x wide neoprene?
3) Where did you get the neoprene?
4) Other than the metal straps on top, what did you use to secure the tank in place?
Thanks!
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| bcoastal |
Posted on 04/05/16 - 5:03 PM
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I bought 2 roles of 3/8 thickness 2in wide 10' long at $28 a piece. I got them from jms online. I foamed the front and sides of the tank which hold it place.
Here is the link:
www.jmsonline.net/shields-neoprene-st...AodB8P8HAQ
Edited by Phil T on 04/06/16 - 10:42 AM |
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| VA Whaler |
Posted on 04/05/16 - 6:21 PM
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Thanks BC! Appreciate the advice and the link.
John
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