Member Since: 29 Nov 2021
Location: SW London
Posts: 261
Fuel tank cradle
2005 fuel tank cradle/tray looks about ready to retire.
Any thoughts on the challenge ahead? Tools, prep etc.
Anyone got a decent spare? SW London.
Thanks
Pete
Last edited by Register on 6th Dec 2021 9:46 pm. Edited 1 time in total
1st Dec 2021 7:26 pm
Sea Raider
Member Since: 01 Nov 2016
Location: None
Posts: 4450
Replace with new, most 2nd hand arent much better than yours.
Make sure you run the tank near dry b4 removing the old support to reduce the weight
1st Dec 2021 7:29 pm
Register
Member Since: 29 Nov 2021
Location: SW London
Posts: 261
Thanks. Good shout on the empty tank.
just found a video using ratchet straps which looks like a sensible method.
Pete
1st Dec 2021 7:34 pm
KevinD3
Member Since: 05 Aug 2020
Location: Sutton Coldfield
Posts: 1207
Main bit of advice, they’re heavy! Diesel tank is only supported by the tray so once you undo the tray bolts, you have the full weight of the fuel tank on your hands so have a trolly Jack under it at least. Also worth taking care until you do it, as if the tray gives way while you’re driving, you’ll leave your fuel tank on the tarmac behind you.
There’s a couple of threads on here but basically support….undue bolts…GENTLY force a couple of straps between the shield and tank and hook to frame to take tank weight.remove tray.
My Wife thinks the D3 is a hobby, The D3 thinks the wife is 💕
1st Dec 2021 7:36 pm
Register
Member Since: 29 Nov 2021
Location: SW London
Posts: 261
Thanks for the advice and link.
I've emailed the seller.
Pete
1st Dec 2021 8:00 pm
Register
Member Since: 29 Nov 2021
Location: SW London
Posts: 261
No joy on eBay so pulled the trigger on a new one.
Any thoughts on with what/whether to paint it before fitting?
Thanks
PeteEverything's a hammer.
9th Dec 2021 3:07 pm
Kilovolt
Member Since: 29 Jun 2015
Location: South Derbyshire
Posts: 1020
That looks as though it has been enamelled.
As the last one did 16 years I would say good to go (a 2005 D3 you have)? "Track day running - Don't put your foot back on the accelerator until your absolutely sure you don't have to take it off again"
Current Ride: D4 XS Commercial Baltic Blue SDV6 fully loaded with heated everything
Track Days: BMW E36 M3 Evolution MY 1996 (3.2 Litre 377 BHP sat in 1,250 Kgs of car, with a pro safety cage and some serious braking power)
9th Dec 2021 5:06 pm
Register
Member Since: 29 Nov 2021
Location: SW London
Posts: 261
Thanks, that's terrific news.
The original is just hanging on.
Yes Disco 3, 127k miles. A few bits to do but lovin' it
PeteEverything's a hammer.
9th Dec 2021 7:04 pm
Register
Member Since: 29 Nov 2021
Location: SW London
Posts: 261
Finally got this quality item off.
I’m left with a couple of problems. I managed to sheer off the bolts at both ends😖😖
Also the riv-nut came away with one of the large side bolts.
Looking forward to lying on my back in the rain, trying to drill out the bolts, whilst leaving the threads intact.
50/50 on a good day?
PeteEverything's a hammer.
13th Dec 2021 8:07 am
ronald.soak
Member Since: 29 Apr 2008
Location: London
Posts: 516
I have had some success starting with a small drill and then using increasing sizes. (high tensile bolts, colbalt drills). Some times the act of drilling, (heat?), leads to the remains the bolt and thread becoming easy to twist out. Biggest problem is drilling in the centre of the bolt because of the hardened peak that forms when it shears.
You can also get left handed twist bits which I keep meaning to try.
Cannot recommend extractors unless you really are dead centre.
14th Dec 2021 2:37 am
Register
Member Since: 29 Nov 2021
Location: SW London
Posts: 261
Thanks for the thoughts.
I’ve gone for what I hope is an extravagant number of various bits.
Time will tellEverything's a hammer.
14th Dec 2021 9:41 am
Register
Member Since: 29 Nov 2021
Location: SW London
Posts: 261
A miserable time on my back drilling uphill, but finally completed.
Motorbike Jack was a real asset.
Ratchet straps now somewhat shorter😉
As photos.
Everything's a hammer.
16th Dec 2021 9:27 am
grzesiul
Member Since: 11 May 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 6266
Looking at your pictures I got to paint mine on warm day as 7 year old cradle aint looking fresh at all
nice effort
G
16th Dec 2021 9:57 am
Register
Member Since: 29 Nov 2021
Location: SW London
Posts: 261
Thanks.
I’d go for anything that defers replacement😉.
PeteEverything's a hammer.
16th Dec 2021 11:15 am
KevinD3
Member Since: 05 Aug 2020
Location: Sutton Coldfield
Posts: 1207
Well done Register as is typical, any other car it would be a 5 minute job as the tank would be bolted on separately. Good call on the bike Jack.2008 HSE Stornoway Grey
My Wife thinks the D3 is a hobby, The D3 thinks the wife is 💕
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heavy! Diesel tank is only supported by the tray so once you undo the tray bolts, you have the full weight of the fuel tank on your hands so have a trolly Jack under it at least. Also worth taking care until you do it, as if the tray gives way while you’re driving, you’ll leave your fuel tank on the tarmac behind you.
as is typical, any other car it would be a 5 minute job as the tank would be bolted on separately. Good call on the bike Jack.
