Cheap Fix For Rusty Fuel Tank Straps

[The Mortgage Man]

The fuel tank of our 1998 Rav dropped the other day. It turns out one of the fuel tank straps had rusted through. The dealers wanted £51, which wasn't too bad but there was a 3 day wait and a 70 mile round trip. So this is what I did: it might be of use to others in the same boat.

I had some thickish sheet metal lying about. Cut a 30mm strip 965mm long, using the original as a pattern I drilled a hole at each end and put the bends as per the original and hey presto, a new tank strap.

I couldn't weld the captive nuts on for the side shield but I can live with that until I get a mig welder.

Hope that helps someone else. Nice easy job and it fitted perfectly.

[gjnorthall]

Give them a good spray of Waxoyl.

[The Mortgage Man]

Im will have to do something with the whole of the underside. Its very rusty. Any suggestions?

[gjnorthall]

Clean off any loose material and give the underside a good spray of Waxoyl , Dinitrol or similar. Use newspaper to cover exhausts brake discs and rubber components. It's much easier to do this job in summer - cold weather causes these products to partially solidify so you'll struggle with equipment blockages. There are outlets that will steam clean and Waxoyl vehicle undersides - might be worth considering - it's a horrible dirty job!

[Red Yaris 54]

Im will have to do something with the whole of the underside. Its very rusty. Any suggestions?

Is it just surface rust or rust holes?..........If the latter then maybe it is time to consider scrapage........unless you are prepared for the work and expense involved in replacing panels.......Was the rust not mentioned as advisory on the last MOT?

[The Mortgage Man]

Thanks for that responses guys.

We only bought the Rav a few months ago. The rust seems to be rough surface rust: no holes spotted yet. We bought it from Hull (by the sea) and our garden goes down to the beach (by the sea).

When I was under to do the tank strap it seemed to be generally rust covered all over the bottom and along the seems of the sills.

What areas should I pay particular attention to?

jonathan

[gjnorthall]

The petrol filler pipe is vulnerable and expensive to replace. Sills generally fail from the inside so ensure the drains are free and think about wax injection.

[Red Yaris 54]

Maybe your RAV would be a good candidate for this:

http://rust2rome.com/about_a.html#Home

We could get together to sponsor you.......Be a good advert for TOYOTA OWNERS CLUB

[The Mortgage Man]

Cheers mate. Turning into a lengthy, expensive (on waxoyl) and messy job.

I think i will fit a new tank strap to the other side and take a closer look.

Dont suppose you know why there is no spark from my Briggs Stratton 3HP engine do you

[The Mortgage Man]

Maybe your RAV would be a good candidate for this:

http://rust2rome.com/about_a.html#Home

We could get together to sponsor you.......Be a good advert for TOYOTA OWNERS CLUB

Im up for it. That looks brilliant. Ive got a 1993 Lexus LS400 that would do it too.

[geomowat]

Thanks Mortgage Man, 

One of mine gave way last night and it is 125 miles each way to my nearest dealer!

By the way, they are now fifty-odd quid each, which seems a touch on the generous side for a strip of bent tin, still these have lasted 20 years!

George