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Old 02-10-2022, 10:05 PM   #1
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Cutting Fiberglass to Remove Fuel Tanks

1974 Tollycraft 26 Sedan

Would there be any draw back to remove two small sections of fiberglass that is just above the tanks. I would be able to remove the tanks without having to remove the engine. After the tanks are out I could repair the fiberglass, order a tank that is 2-4 inches shorter. I know I would loose some volume of gas but I would save quite a bit just not having to have the engine removed.

Sorry I do not know how to rotate the pictures
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Old 02-10-2022, 10:36 PM   #2
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IMHO I would cut the glass and never look back. Putting the glass back together is no big deal.
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Old 02-10-2022, 11:13 PM   #3
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You could make the glass as strong as it is now. Just take a bit of work to get in there.
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Old 02-11-2022, 06:46 AM   #4
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Happy cutting.
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Old 02-11-2022, 07:59 AM   #5
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Thanks
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Old 02-11-2022, 09:39 AM   #6
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You could certainly cut them but....
The heavy, vertical ( I think ) pieces are structural members. Supporting the deck or flooring maybe, cain't tell. I'd take a long , hard look at what they are supporting and why they are heavily built and fiberglassed.
I'd want to replace them with something as strong. Maybe get a fiberglass Pro's opinion.
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Old 02-11-2022, 12:01 PM   #7
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You could certainly cut them but....
The heavy, vertical ( I think ) pieces are structural members. Supporting the deck or flooring maybe, cain't tell. I'd take a long , hard look at what they are supporting and why they are heavily built and fiberglassed.
I'd want to replace them with something as strong. Maybe get a fiberglass Pro's opinion.
I agree they appear to be structural members.
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Old 02-11-2022, 06:09 PM   #8
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Why not just cut the tanks? This is a common process on doing a job as you describe
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Old 02-11-2022, 08:08 PM   #9
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As far as I can tell, your pictures are rotated 90° counter clockwise. The structural fibreglass you want to remove are holding up the floor above them. You can remove them temporarily so long as you provide something to temporarily support the floor. Up to you whether that is done simply or more complicated. support could even come from the attachment of the settee above, if that is available. After re-installing the new, re-install a similar support and BYU.
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Old 02-11-2022, 08:25 PM   #10
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Yes, to me it looks like the floor support beams. Which are structure for the deck but not that difficult to repair. Just put back some structure that will be at least as strong.
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Old 02-11-2022, 09:28 PM   #11
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Why not just cut the tanks? This is a common process on doing a job as you describe

I do not feel comfortable cutting gas tanks. I would probably have no problem if it were diesel.

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Old 02-11-2022, 09:31 PM   #12
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As far as I can tell, your pictures are rotated 90° counter clockwise. The structural fibreglass you want to remove are holding up the floor above them. You can remove them temporarily so long as you provide something to temporarily support the floor. Up to you whether that is done simply or more complicated. support could even come from the attachment of the settee above, if that is available. After re-installing the new, re-install a similar support and BYU.
My plan is to fix those after the tank is out and before the new one goes in. The replacement tank is not going to be as tall and installing it with those support beam in place will not be an issue.
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Old 02-11-2022, 09:32 PM   #13
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Does anyone know if there is wood under that glass or is it straight glass?
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Old 02-12-2022, 12:25 AM   #14
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Pretty good chance it is something like a 2x4 with maybe two layers of glass over it.
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Old 02-12-2022, 02:57 AM   #15
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Most likely.
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Old 02-24-2022, 07:58 AM   #16
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I do not feel comfortable cutting gas tanks. I would probably have no problem if it were diesel.

Chris
Cutting tanks is not an issue, drain and fill with water, flush em a few times if it makes you feel better but cut full, you'll be fine. I have cut numerous tanks after filling with water and am still here to talk about it =)
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