measurements of the plywood under the fuel tanks

[steve-0]

Side piece 40 inches x 15.5 inches...the bottom piece is 9.5 inches x 43 inches... the center has a 4.25 diameter hole and it is 21.5 inches from the end of the plywood to the center of the hole... all plywood is half-inch. these measurements are off an m16 halftrack thanks to mkoloc
 

[iron bender]

Damn, I just got through with this project on the m4a1. Wish I would have known about the plywood on the backside of the tank. I may have to pull my covers back off and slip this in. I have two of Gary's repro tanks, which are great repros and work very well. My biggest concern is the lack of the bullet-shield rubber coating on the exterior of the tanks. I'm worried about the vertical floor bolts that run along the side armor rubbing a hole in the bottom of the tank after prolonged use. Of course, the plywood on the backside would offset the tank enough to fix this. Thanks for the pics and measurements.

[spec4don]

Don't you just hate that Now I got to take it all back apart! I just put that off to my old timers disease. CRS

Don G.

[KC]

Since I'm getting ready to install tanks in our M2A1, what holds the tanks in place? Does the fuel tank sheilds do the job or is there straps also?
Thanks, KC

[Tapper02]

KC,
  Yes, per the TM 9-1710C, "The tank is held in place by means of a cover plate screwed to the body side and floor plates."

 -Tom

[andy]

So that's the cover plate? If so did anyone use filler between tank and top cover for rattle/rubbing?
Andy

KC,
  Yes, per the TM 9-1710C, "The tank is held in place by means of a cover plate screwed to the body side and floor plates."

 -Tom

[mkoloc]

Going thru the forum tonight and came across this post... the type of wood used was marine plywood on my original tank supports.  Interesting is the fact that I have no bolt holes in my side armor or floor for an end plate.  It may have been removed when my track went thru its depot rebuild in 52.  My cover keeps the tank snug in addition to the fuel line and the drain plug which fits snugly into that hole in the bottom plywood and almost flush with the bottom of the floor.   I have the original rubber coated self-sealing tanks with a cloth wrapping covered by plaster of paris. They are very heavy!