Date:         Fri, 31 Mar 2000 04:06:23 +0200
Reply-To:     Per Lindgren <lindgre@ONLINE.NO>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Per Lindgren <lindgre@ONLINE.NO>
Subject:      Re: Extra gas tank
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Andrew Grebneff wrote:

> Is it possible to fit a Syncro fueltank into a 2WD Vanagon? The tank might
> need notching here & there to clear difflocks etc. Looking into the 2WD
> rear wheelwells, there's an awful lot of empty space above the trans where
> Bays and Syncros have theirs.

No, the engine/tranny on the Syncro sits 2" lower in the chassis than the 2wd.
There is too little room, and it would be hard, if not impossible to reshape
the tank. I think Otmar Ebenhoech has a bit of experience here ;-)

>
>
> Conversely, would a 2WD tank fit a Syncro if you welded in a longitudinal
> driveshaft/shifter tunnel or cut a clearance notch into it?

No, the area where the tank lives on the 2wd is partly occupied by the front
diff on the Syncro. It would be difficult to combine the tank and driveshaft.
Probably why VW put the tank in the rear on the Syncro.

>
>
> How about making and fitting flat outrigger tanks to fit between the
> chassis rails under the floor, perhaps with pumps to transfer fuel to the
> main tank?

I believe this has been done in Germany, in the style of the propane tank on
the westy. A flat tank that lives in the area under the sliding door, along
the frame rail. It was discussed on the list some time ago, cant remember
when.

PerL
87 Syncro 112i