Posted by 74merc (IP: 207.157.60.21) on July 27, 2000 at 15:36:58:
In Reply to: But Pinto gas tanks were mounted under the car, too posted by Wade Anderson on July 27, 2000 at 09:21:58:
my tank is at least 8 inches from the axle, it would take one hell of a hit to rupture it against the rear end. that kind of impact I'd be worried about the gas tank rupturing on any car.
: The fact that Mavericks after 1970 do not have the drop in gas tank design like the early Mustang is comforting. But the fact that later versions were mounted under the car still does not answer the safety
issue. The Pinto gas tank was mounted under the car as well. Its safety issue had to do with being ruptured by being so close to the axle housing. I actually owned an '80 Pinto, and the problem was solved by placing a plastic shroud on the front side of the tank, which prevented the rupture and reduced the risk of a spark igniting the flame. Does anyone know if the Maverick's gas tank location is similiar as the Pinto, and does it pose the same risk? If it does, a similiar solution may be in order, or perhaps the tank shroud from a Pinto could be installed. Thoughts?