Series 2a fuel tank not fitting?

[Bloke]

In my experience all the current After Market under Seat Fuel tanks are not Manufactured to the correct Original Dimensions, as the Rear Filler Tube is Welded on Too Far Forward.   Several years ago now, I bought many from different Manufactures/Suppliers Britpart, AllMakes before they were purchased by Brit Part & DDS (Supposedly the Best Fuel Tank Re-Manufacturer) all were the same - Wrong - Filler Pipe Too Far Forward and welded on at the wring angle.   When I complained & returned each one to each company I got the same reply ......  We have Sold/Made Hundreds and never had any complaints! 

See the attached photo's

What annoys me really is, with most re-manufactured parts particularly fuel tanks it take the same time and materials to make it right as wrong!

As I was not prepared to do what I believe many SII/IIA owner do, either Cut my Tub or Bend the Filler Pipe in order to try and accommodate the in correct Filler Pipe Position, it took a while but I found an original used SII fuel tank.

Exact same situation I was in. I returned 2 tanks that didn't fit, then begrudgingly decided to empty my wallet and purchase the last genuine one that PA Blanchard's had in stock    and wouldn't you know, it fit like a glove.

It's quite disappointing that a modern manufacturer hasn't been able to correctly replicate what is essentially a steel box with 2 spouts on the top of it.

[Ken]

I'm surprised that heritage don't have the archive of Land Rover drawings.
They were quite aggressive at acquiring materials in the 80's when, presumably it was still around as part of the BL group.

[autorover1]

I'm surprised that heritage don't have the archive of Land Rover drawings.
They were quite aggressive at acquiring materials in the 80's when, presumably it was still around as part of the BL group.

Even if they had, will JLR  let 3rd parties have access,?

[diffwhine]

Straight answer to that is probably that we have more chance knitting fog...

There are a few original tanks still rattling about even if only suitable as templates. I'm more than happy to take up the cudgels on this one with Allmakes / Britpart for a start. Just need to find some time to do it.

[Ken]

Re heritage I always wondered with regard to things like original drawings what their purpose was.
The drawings for the OHC MG's are on quarter plate negs and were in the possession of Cowley Photographic department until one of heritage's employees gained access and walked off with them. They're now in the heritage archive and last time I had involvement with MG matters were completely inaccessible.
Contrast that with WO Bentley drawings, all in the care of the Bentley owners club and accessible.
It matters a great deal if you're trying to maintain an old vehicle.
Re heritage, they once made off from the NEC classic car show with Jaguar's Le Mans XJ13. It's recovery by Jaguar was an absolute classic and a legend at the factory.

[2DieselMan]

To All - DiffWhine sorry it has taken a while to dig out and measure all my Original early SII Under Seat Fuel Tanks

Please see the attached Original early SII Under Seat Fuel Tank Dimensions and Note that the Average is from my 5 Original early SII Under Seat Fuel Tank measurements.   But for completeness I have left the other SII Club Members Dimensions on the Drawing and in the Dimension Table.

If the current Fuel Tank Manufactures made Fuel Tanks with the Filler wit these dimensions I believe that the Fuel tanks would be a much better fit...........without the need to either cut the Tub and or Bend the Filler Backwards. 

[diffwhine]

Thank you!
We can't ask for more than that!
I'll have a discussion with Britpart over this and we will pull a few tanks out of Allmakes stock to do some measuring.

[W.Slow]

Wow that's excellent 2DieselMan thank you-

I took the plunge over the weekend and cut my filler neck off and shifted it "down", mig welding it back on was probably a mistake but I'm not versed in TIG yet! It ain't pretty but the tanks really a heap of s*** anyway!
It's still extremely close but I'm going to get the tub on and finalise the fit to that- and speaking to others I will scrap my idea to solidly mount the tank and go with the later rubber type fixing at the rear.

That sounds a plan to have a conversation with Britpart over this, judging by the construction of my tank it's as if the holes are all punched in when flat and then it's bent up around the sides (if that makes sense). It's almost like they are starting at the wrong end and focusing where the pick-up and sender holes are and not the most critical hole being the filler.

William

[Serious Series]

William other than the filler pipe issue was the rest of the Britpart tank OK.
My tank has just sprung a leak the rear tub has already been modified for a bad filler with the discount from Paddocks a Britpart tank is currently £110 delivered.

[W.Slow]

I'm not 100% sure on the manufacturer of my tank as it was replaced before I got the vehicle.

Other than the filler pipes I don't have any other complaints with the "pattern" tank. It fitted fine with my chassis that I repaired to the dimensions in the green book.
So its up to you, I do believe if its only a pin hole it could be soft soldered up?

Hope that helps
William

[Serious Series]

Fitted the Paddocks tank yesterday pipe for filler is not right at back edge but is angled better than my previous tank so fitted easier.
Did not have a Britpart label on it.
Apparently SMTR are a Turkish manufacturing company.

https://www.smtrgroup.com/home

[DaveP]

Has anyone tried the fuel tank from Allisport?
https://www.allisport.com/shop/performance-products/tanks-and-reservoirs/fuel-tanks/land-rover-series-2-2a-3-replacement-fuel-tank/#reviews

Very expensive but found them for slightly cheaper at LRparts.net (£348+VAT) for the same item, in black.

I am in need of a replacement for my rebuild so have been reading with interest on the fitment issues, I am a few months away from needing one but my tank is definitely terminal.

You cannot view this attachment.

[Craig T]

My biggest concern with aluminium tanks would be cracking from fatigue.
A Land Rover chassis will flex and even though the tank will be mounted on rubber blocks, it will see some twisting loads in use. Aluminium welds are not great for this and they usually end up cracking.

I built a DAX Cobra once and I bought the last of their steel fuel tanks before they went over to aluminium ones. For a year or so after that, the Cobra forum had posts about leaking fuel tanks on a regular basis.....

Craig.

[Bloke]

A few years ago I looked into the stainless steel fuel tanks from Pangolin 4x4 in the USA. They look exceptionally well made and accurate to the original design but were very expensive (even more so now) but unfortunately the killer was the shipping to the UK which, when also adding the import duty, nearly doubled the price of it.

https://pangolin4x4.com/item/999

[Craig T]

There is a chap on the series one club called Neil Furness who advertises stainless tanks. All models he says although that might just be all models of the series one....
£525 plus postage.

Craig.