Is it your intention to replace the heat shielding mounts and the section that bridges over the prop? V8 or else ...

I will make mounts for the original heat shield so I can reuse that.

The section that goes above the Axle I'm not sure about yet. The original one is rusted so it doesn't go back in but I might make a new one that can be mounted without removing the Axle. What purpose does the original one have other than supporting the tank? I was thinking about bending 2-3 flat bars across but should I add sheet metal as well? I kinda wanted to use only flat bars for supporting the tank and then add a tray below made from aluminium. That will not creep around the tank like the original one but more like a shield for debris.

BTW feel free to suggest solutions. I've never done this before hope the tank survive being supported of 35x5.5mm instead of full support. I will add a few strips below so it all doesn't go in one spot.

Soooooo ... I'm watching your efforts with interest.

I cant be sure whether the over the top saddle section is:

A) protection to the tank should the propshaft disconnect and let rip
B) simply a case of having metal covering all the underside of the tank
C) whether it provides rigidity to the overall shape of the metal.
D) all of the above !

I think B is the lowest priority in terms of diy / aftermarket ... as my evoque had its tank rust completely away, leaving only 2 straps holding it up, and that passed an MOT fine.

My early thoughts were along the lines of ( and might need to diagram this to explain )

- On each side have a metal ( tube, sq section or similar ) that curves horizontally around the front of the tank going between the 2 bolt holes.
- From that bit, have straps attach and run under the tank front to back to hold it.
- There would need to be a frame support at the rear of the tank for the straps to attach to.
- Not sure about the saddle section personally. Maybe some tubes running either side of the prop to which you could bolt shields to ? V8 or else ...

I have had the same thoughts about the saddle section. A and C I assume is the reason. Having 2x 35x6mm bars bent over there should do the trick then. The rigidity I'm a bit worried about but then again the tank on many other cars are just held up by straps.

Here's a rough sketch of the plans I got in my head regarding the supports. I will also add something in the tunnel for mounting the heatshield but I haven't gotten that far yet The plans appear as I go. I'm a bit limited on time due to deadlines at work atm so this might take a while to complete but even more time to plan then I guess There are a third fixing point of the tank right above the axle that I haven't put into my sketch but if I make something going across the tunnel that one will be fixed at that position. The bolts holding the tank is M10 bolts and a 8.8 has a proof load of 1800kgf if i recall forrectly so 6 bolts should hold the tank without issues.

I'm also considering gluing on POM/Teflon so the tank rest on that instead of the bare metal. Might avoid scratching off the paint and rusting away again that way.

Interesting project, my question is why given you can buy one….. There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
FFRR 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography Santorini Black.
KIA E-Niro 4+
2021 Discovery 5 D300 MHEV commercial

I really should not lol. I'll try some excuses They are on backorder and I need my car ready for a camping trip. It's also partly that I want to keep this vehicle for many years and the original solution is clearly crap rusting away. I hope this will outlast my ownership. I'm prolly keeping this for around the farm work without plates when it get older. I guess I will also be able to make this for $2-300 and a new one shipped with taxes would land at $13-1400

Slowly progressing. I cut out the tunell today and bended the two bars going front to back. Welded the left side so now the tank is hanging on its own on that side. Will make the other side before I start on supporting the other tank sides and making mountings for heatshield and aluminium skid plate.

Click image to enlarge

That's coming along, should do the job...  Pete
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2014 L405 Autobiography SDV8 4.4 Loire Blue Ebony interior
2012 L322 Autobiography 5.0 Supercharged Ipanema Sand Sold
2011 L322 Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8 Baltic Blue. Sold
2002 L322 Vogue 4.4 V8 Epson Green (Fatty Offroader) Sold
-Click for Project Fatty off roader-

Not much time to work on the car these days but had a few hours today. The braces are almost done. Need to add something reinforcing the rear and all the mounts for the heat shields and alu under the car. Tunnel is still undecided. Hope I get time to complete it tomorrow and paint it.

Completed both sides today. Total 12 fixing points per side including mounts for the protection that will go under it. In the center the mounts are placed so the original heat shield fit. Will make a center section tomorrow and I might have to modify the sides slightly for that to fit. Hope I get it done tomorow and paint them.

Looking good...  Pete
__________________________________________________
2014 L405 Autobiography SDV8 4.4 Loire Blue Ebony interior
2012 L322 Autobiography 5.0 Supercharged Ipanema Sand Sold
2011 L322 Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8 Baltic Blue. Sold
2002 L322 Vogue 4.4 V8 Epson Green (Fatty Offroader) Sold
-Click for Project Fatty off roader-

And first coat of paint is applied. The alu covers will be welded once I mount these later.

Click image to enlarge