Modifying A Plastic Fuel Tank?

[uzz30]

Hi there,

I have a predicament on my BMW E36 where the fuel tank hangs over the driveshaft on both sides of the car, the trouble is the custom exhaust I am using cant quite fit on one side because theres a section of the plastic fuel tank that gets in the way on one side, the other side has a nice recession so its only the one side that is the problem. The exhaust can't be modified so that is out of the question.

Is it possible to have such a fuel tank cut & plastic welded appropriately then made as part of the certification?

I did call one plastic welder and he said he wouldnt touch it and that factory tanks can't be modified.

If this is the case I will have to relocate and make a new alloy fuel tank. Annoying!

Any help would be appreciated.

[Justin]

Hi there

The plastic welder is correct.

A fuel tank fitted to a low volume vehicle that is constructed from plastic materials must not be modified in any way.

[uzz30]

No problem, since posting this I decided a rear alloy or steel drop tank would be the way to go. I've got enough room between both rear mufflers for a 30-35 tank.

[Justin]

Hi there

If you can, it'd be a good idea to get hold of a Hobby Car Manual - there are some requirements for custom fuel tanks and fuel systems which you'll need to know before you get started.

Cheers, Justin