Savvy fuel tank skid install

[Frankpapa]

Out of the box...

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll237/wjcando/IMG_2016.jpg

Pre-assembly...

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll237/wjcando/IMG_2020.jpg

There was no proper packing list to check, but I seem to be short some spare mounting bolts. Since the existing bolts are probably re-usable, maybe they only send a few.

Now I gotta burn some fuel out of the tank. Would like to have this in before next weekend for a Rausch trip.

[JeepPfeil]

did i read right ? rausch trip next weekend ?


i really want to test the new and improved CJ!

[Frankpapa]

did i read right ? rausch trip next weekend ?


i really want to test the new and improved CJ!

It's a Nova trip, been filled for seems like a couple months.

[JeepinSoldier]

Out of the box...

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll237/wjcando/IMG_2016.jpg

Pre-assembly...

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll237/wjcando/IMG_2020.jpg

There was no proper packing list to check, but I seem to be short some spare mounting bolts. Since the existing bolts are probably re-usable, maybe they only send a few.

Now I gotta burn some fuel out of the tank. Would like to have this in before next weekend for a Rausch trip.


Ooooooo I like! I read the entire thread on the skid on JF. If they hold up in the rocks, it would be a great way to take some weight off the LJ......

They are making aluminum corner armor as well I believe. Also been lusting after the black low profile LED tail lights.

[Frankpapa]

Anybody able to lend a hand Weds or Thurs, afternoon or evening?

I'll be back in town then, will run all the gas out of the TJ to drop the tank and install new skid. Could use some help with the tank.

Pizza, beer, maybe even get some wings delivered... mmmmm

[chagan]

where do you live Frank?

[Frankpapa]

In McLean, Chris, about 5 min from Tysons. I'll pm address.

For amybody who works in the area, we can time this so you can come by whenever you get off work.

[chagan]

In McLean, Chris, about 5 min from Tysons. I'll pm address.

For amybody who works in the area, we can time this so you can come by whenever you get off work.

I get out around 4:30-5...not sure how that works with everyone else

[Frankpapa]

I get out around 4:30-5...not sure how that works with everyone else

I may start even earlier than that, so come by when you get off work. Lowering and raising the tank is where I'll need help. Maybe other people have projects too?

Just no 4 am stuff, LOL

[Frankpapa]

Sent PMs with address to Chris, Liz and Mike. Also believe Nosigma and Nick Taousakis (Nick the Greek, not Nick the German :tinysmile_fatgrin_t ) may drop by Wednesday.

[Pacifier]

In that case, I won't be able to make it. NGA requires for me to report any foreign contacts and I'm too lazy to do it.

[Frankpapa]

In that case, I won't be able to make it. NGA requires for me to report any foreign contacts and I'm too lazy to do it.

Nick T was born in the US as far as I know. Sorry, you'll need another excuse. :rolleyes:

[blthomas]

Hope it goes good Frank. Looks like a nice piece.

[ThinkMud]

i can't drive that far until i get my tires balanced or something. and it's way to cold right now to mess with them:( but it sounds like you have enough helping hands anyway.

[H2_RECOVERY]

Frank I am out Teresa told me this morning that Jessica has a make up basket ball game tonight. Plus I have a Auto Tech meeting right after school at Robinson High School.

Good luck with the install.

[Pacifier]

That's bologna..... Schools are still closed :tinysmile_eyebrow_t

[H2_RECOVERY]

What are you talking about? Will and I have been back to work since Monday.

[Pacifier]

LOL.... did your blood pressure rise? :tinysmile_fatgrin_t

Fauquier county schools are still closed at the moment, we'll wait and see what happens tomorrow. This is nuts, man.

[Urbie]

Plus I have a Auto Tech meeting right after school at Robinson High School.

Good luck with the install.

GO RAMS!!! that's my alma mater..

[H2_RECOVERY]

Yeah I am having a Heart attack according to Dan.

[blthomas]

Here drink this Tea. Will fix you right up. Now get me unstucked!!!!

[Frankpapa]

Okay, I'm going to have to do a Diego and clean up my thread. :rolleyes:


Many thanks to Liz and Chris for coming over to help. Turns out, that custom rear bumper had to be removed before we could drop the tank. :tinysmile_hmm_t2:

That slowed us down, but we got it done and the tank is now sitting in the new skid, ready to be raised back into place and reconnected.

Chris and Liz had to head out, but we'll pick up where we left off tomorrow about 5 pm. If anybody else wants to drop by, you're welcome.

Updated pics in a minute.

[Pacifier]

I'm working from home tomorrow, so no can do. :tinysmile_fatgrin_t

[Frankpapa]

So here are the pics. Unhook stuff first

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll237/wjcando/IMG_2039.jpg

Rear bumper had to come off before the tank could be fully unbolted

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll237/wjcando/IMG_2040.jpg

Tank down...

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll237/wjcando/IMG_2043.jpg

On the floor sitting in the old skid

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll237/wjcando/IMG_2041.jpg

[Frankpapa]

Tank secured in new skid waiting to be raised and reinstalled


http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll237/wjcando/IMG_2045.jpg

[Pacifier]

That's a 30 minute job and that's all you got done... LOL.....:tinysmile_cry_t4:

Looking good!

[Frankpapa]

That's a 30 minute job and that's all you got done... LOL.....:tinysmile_cry_t4:

Looking good!

The crew and I took a vote and decided you were full of it! :D

Biggest time consumers were disconnecting lines (who thinks that stuff up?) and getting the bumper off. Ran into some bolt problems there.

Putting everything back together may pose another challenge. The new skid is designed to mount with carriage bolts, which makes a lot of sense. But that's not how the vehicle is set up. I'll worry about it tomorrow.

[Pacifier]

We've done at least 3 skid plate installs in the last few years, tops 45 minutes. Keep up the good work :)

[blthomas]

Looks good Frank.

[Pacifier]

What looks look? All I see the top of a plastic gas tank. :tinysmile_twink_t2:

[blthomas]

I'm shooting for positive reinforcement. :tinysmile_fatgrin_t

[chagan]

We've done at least 3 skid plate installs in the last few years, tops 45 minutes. Keep up the good work :)

First Diego says its a 30 minute job...then 45 minutes tops...

Maybe if he would care to show up he could impress us with his speedy installs instead of ridiculing us online :tinysmile_tongue_t:

[Frankpapa]

Plus he uses air tools. Cheater!

[Pacifier]

"Air tools" That's what gives you the advantage. :)

Fine... If you still don't have it back together by next Wednesday, I'll help you fix Chris's screw up. :tinysmile_hmm_t2:

[Frankpapa]

Like I say, time to do a Diego and clean up my thread by deleting all the chit. :tinysmile_shutup_t2 :tinysmile_fatgrin_t

I'm heading out to buy new hardware for mounting the bumper. One bolt broke (no problem getting it out though) and several others have threads ground down. Might as well start fresh.

Turns out, the Savvy skid is designed exactly right for the original mounting holes. The holes are square, the bolts (where still original) are carriage bolts. We had some doubts when we had to remove a couple standard bolts and nuts. I even have a few spares that came with the skid, along with retainers to hold them in place while lifting the tank.

This stuff is basic to everyone else, but I still can't believe it when everything turns out right. :tinysmile_twink_t2:

[Pacifier]

Keeping it clean is the key.

[Frankpapa]

Keeping it clean is the key.

Some think they did okay if it was fast and clean. Some prefer to linger and enjoy getting dirty. :D

[Pacifier]

I see that your simple gas tank skid project is still not done. ha...ha....ha....ha.... Sorry!

If you want, I can fix it for you for $120 plus parts. :tinysmile_twink_t2:

[Frankpapa]

I see that your simple gas tank skid project is still not done. ha...ha....ha....ha.... Sorry!

If you want, I can fix it for you for $120 plus parts. :tinysmile_twink_t2:

Oh the gas skid is long done, it's the side projects that need attention and I'm not around to do it. :tinysmile_cry_t:

The exhaust was tapping on the old skid and will still tap on the new. Came up with several ideas since our conversation Fri. Actually, I've already made one fix and it works, but I've got a better idea to try. Still gotta futz with bumper bolts too.

Technically, I guess I do have to start it up and slap the sticker on to call the skid done!

[Pacifier]

I may have to help you after all :tinysmile_eyebrow_t

[Frankpapa]

I may have to help you after all :tinysmile_eyebrow_t

Who can afford your rates, dude? Oh wait... Nick!

[Pacifier]

What ever? I wish...... I feel like I end up paying him every time we are done working on his jeep. :tinysmile_cry_t2: Let's see.... free food, use of tools, supplies, place to crash, shower, labor...... Damn! He even gets parts at a discounted price. WTF!

Thanks for waking me up. For now on $50 min.... to use my tools and my garage. :tinysmile_fatgrin_t

[Frankpapa]

LOL, sorry Nick!

[JeepPfeil]

What ever? I wish...... I feel like I end up paying him every time we are done working on his jeep. :tinysmile_cry_t2: Let's see.... free food, use of tools, supplies, place to crash, shower, labor...... Damn! He even gets parts at a discounted price. WTF!

Thanks for waking me up. For now on $50 min.... to use my tools and my garage. :tinysmile_fatgrin_t


i didn't shower and I bring beer, good company and something for you to do !

btw, swaybar is now back on the jeep

[Frankpapa]

All done. Thanks to Nick for help with the bumper reinstall. We cut the lower flange where it overlapped the skid so shouldn't need to touch the bumper if it's ever necessary to drop fuel tank again.

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll237/wjcando/IMG_2047.jpg

[Pacifier]

Looks good... now all you have to do is paint it..... bling...bling.... :tinysmile_twink_t2:

[Frankpapa]

Looks good... now all you have to do is paint it..... bling...bling.... :tinysmile_twink_t2:

D, you know I don't paint anything under a vehicle, not rust or anything. :tinysmile_fatgrin_t

Actually, that new aluminum "highlight" goes well with the wheel above it, which doesn't show in this pic. Bling on bling!

[H2_RECOVERY]

Looks good frank