Re: today was unique, good, bad and unusual....

Posted by Dave Brownell On 2014/6/9 12:54:19

Sorry if my use of "white plastic" has caused some consternation among forum readers, but all of our VW/Audis (nine total, years 1998-2013) have white blow plastic formed tanks, usually closely fitted underneath the back seat area, on the outside of the body metal, protected from debris by a metal shield. Our newer BMWs have much the same, again closely formed, but in a dark gray or black plastic. My C-6 Corvette has two dark plastic tanks, saddle-style, connected by a cross tube. All of these car makers obviously are concerned with collision protection and cramming as much fuel capacity into available space. Our older (C-2 and C-4 era) Corvettes have the traditional steel tanks that can be dropped out without too much trouble. On both the VW/Audi and BMW, troublesome electric high pressure pumps are accessed by removing a panel (under the rear seat or trunk floor) to lift the pump up out of the plastic tank. A dealer can swap a pump on a Golf in less than 20 minutes if it's warranty work. Ask me how I know.

Regarding the Pinto/Mustang II firebombs, I think that it was the sharp metal "ear" edges on the front side of the differential carriers that would penetrate the metal gas tanks in certain rear end collisions. Ask me, again, how I know.

All things considered, I'd much rather take my chances in a newer car in any sort of collision than in my older ones. Death by barbecue is not in my preferred plans.