anyone know the best way to prevent coffin rot?

[mtn goat]

I have conceeded my pride and dropped the gas tank out of my chero.

See this post: float eating jeep (http://www.ifsja.org/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=021186)

but now I have the sucker out I want to prevent coffin rot as much as I can. Its a poly tank so I'm not concerned about that but more the frame area and the skid plate. anyone have good prevention ideas?

I plan on rustreating and painting all rusted surfaces but what is the general concensous on adding additional drain holes? what about putting some drain holes in the rubber membrane. any of you guys find something that works?

[JERSEY JOE]

Years ago my 1982 Cherokee had a frame that rotted all the way through at the rear spring front mount. This happens because the fuel tank skid plate collects mud, sand, salt ect. If you catch it in time I am a firm beliver in POR 15 products. They WILL stop rust, however if the frame is already thin, you should have someone familiar with frame repair look at it.

Jersey Joe

[mtn goat]

Sorry, I forgot to mention the frame is in reasonable good shape right now, verry little rust (only where the fram and the coffin bolt together) here is a pic.. http://www.fullsizejeeps.com/jeeps/files/AZ_FSJers/frame.jpg

[JERSEY JOE]

Look into the POR 15 product line.

[FSJ Thing]

yes, your frame is in extremely good shape compared to pretty much every over one I've seen. remove all existing rust even though ther ain't much. Sand it or wire brush it. I've heard nothing but good things about POR 15, from everyone who's used it, except the fact that it discolors in the sunlight (not a problem under the frame).

[Nobby]

I just did mine last fall, using POR 15 top coated with POR Chassis Black. On the chassis.
Got a 2nd hand skid plate which I zinc chromate primered and then POR Chassis Blacked.
Purchased the triangular piece that goes between the skid pan and chassis new from dealer, POR CB that.
Replaced brake line. Coated that in waxoil.

POR 15 the floor pans whilst I was in there.

Now as to the rubber thing, **** water trap if you ask me, discarded that and cut strips for chafe gear on the tank straps and places of contact between tank and pan. Drilled more drain holes in the skidpan. Figured that if by removing mat chafe affects poly tank that this would probably be a problem a long time away.

[Merc69]

Pull it down, wire brush, sand, or better yet sanblast if tyou can then POR 15 everything in site. When you paint wear safety glasses, and cover up anything you don't want paint on...like you. Don't ask why I know this.

If you do the POR 15 thing make sure you use the Marine Clean and Metal Ready to prep the metal.

Have fun :D

[Brin M.]

Don't get the metal too clean! POR-15 needs a slightly rough texture to adhere to. If you clean it back to smooth metal you need to use their proprietery primer or it peels off like a band aid wrapper. Used it on a VW pan dune buggy. Clean but pitted metal it gripped like a glove, smooth metal peeled right off whenever you grazed it with any type of tool or rock.

[Tad]

Probably only rumor, but I have heard if you leave one or two round brass objects in the tank it will prevent the frame area from rusting :eek:

[Rogue]

any of you guys find something that works?yea buy a 30 gallon bronco tank and relocate it to the spare tire area like Riverbeast did

[andy d]

you're doing the best thing to prevent coffin rot. living in AZ. the 2nd best way is to not put it back on. :D :D