Pulled Rug Surprise - Broken Fuel Tank Access Panel

[97TJ_305]

So I finally got around to pulling my dirty rotten carpet in order to switch to bed tred and low and behold a previous owner decided to cut a fuel tank access panel in the cargo area.

What is even better is I had no idea it was a cut through the floor pan sealed with epoxy and while cleaning the tub I stepped right through it.

Any tips on how I can seal this back up? I'm trying to find some type of bracing I can install under to have the cut piece rest on while I reseal it.

 

[Steel City 06]

Depending on how big it is, you might be able to cut it larger and install a commercially available access panel.
Here's one:
https://genright.com/products/fuel-pump-access-panel-for-the-jeep-tj-yj-and-cj-7.html

 

[TJ4Jim]

So I finally got around to pulling my dirty rotten carpet in order to switch to bed tred and low and behold a previous owner decided to cut a fuel tank access panel in the cargo area.

What is even better is I had no idea it was a cut through the floor pan sealed with epoxy and while cleaning the tub I stepped right through it.

Any tips on how I can seal this back up? I'm trying to find some type of bracing I can install under to have the cut piece rest on while I reseal it.

Can you post a pic, it would really help.

 

[Zorba]

Depending on how big it is, you might be able to cut it larger and install a commercially available access panel.
Here's one:
https://genright.com/products/fuel-pump-access-panel-for-the-jeep-tj-yj-and-cj-7.html

That looks like something that should have been designed in at the factory.

 

[97TJ_305]

Can you post a pic, it would really help.

I temporarily put something under the top section to keep it from falling back inside.

 

[CodaMan]

View attachment 171589

I temporarily put something under the top section to keep it from falling back inside.

Now that's some funny stuff right there.

 

[Apparition]

Could get a couple pieces of flat stock longer than the access so you could bolt both ends then drop the plate on it.

weld a couple nuts with match drilled holes under each piece of flat stock and bolt the plate down to it, silicone it up.

 

[CodaMan]

Why not permanently weld it up and if you need to drop the tank do it like the rest of us do?

 

[thomat65]

View attachment 171589

I temporarily put something under the top section to keep it from falling back inside.

It looks like they were trying to use epoxy in shear and to fill gaps. What were they thinking

 

[TJ4Jim]

OMG what a hack job, I would start by getting everything cleaned up so you can see what there is to work with.

 

[Fonz54]

View attachment 171589

I temporarily put something under the top section to keep it from falling back inside.

Holy cow that is some access hole!

 

[97TJ_305]

Why not permanently weld it up and if you need to drop the tank do it like the rest of us do?

I've never welded before and I don't want to learn with 10 gallons of gas under me lol.

Thanks everyone for the advice.

 

[MountaineerTom]

The hole is already there. Since you don’t want to weld it, I’d do like @Apparition said and make some kind of frame and secure it down to the floor and seal it up. Make it easy to take off again if you need to.