Fuel tank gasket

[mickl]

I have removed my fuel tank in my Berlina and am treating it with the KBS product. There is a rubber/foam like gasket between the tank and the body which is rotten and cannot be reused. What material is locally available (hardware or supercheap/repco) and suitable to use in this original gasket`s place? I have seen a sticky bitumen like material backed by an aluminium foil that comes in 50mm wide rolls which roofers use for waterproofing.....would it be any good?? The gasket will get a bit hot in places being close to the exhaust pipe and may need to withstand a drop or two of petrol spillage?
Any ideas please as obtaining an original gasket will not be easy and I want to get it back on the road this week.
mickl

[Barry Edmunds]

Mickl
That rubber gasket that the fuel tank sits on is one of the best water retaining sources and therefore the cause of rust yet devised by mankind.

I'd suggest that you find an alternative material that won't hold or absorb water. Can't offer any ideas but maybe a talk to someone like Paul Rankin in Bayswater or one of the other Alfa restorers who could suggest a solution.
Barry

[njh1964]

Try Clark Rubber... they sell neoprene strip rubber in 25mm width. Could be a good alternative gasket and being neoprene it may be better at not holding onto moisture and thereby causing rust problems down the track.

Cheers,


Nick

[mickl]

Thanks for the responses Nick and Barry,
I got to the job a bit earlier than I expected and today put a thick bead of general purpose clear Silastic gap filler around the flange in the boot. It will stick to the boot flange only over night so when I drop the tank in on top of it tomorrow it will be semi hard and not stick to the tank flange and should bed down pretty well too. Will post further reply after I complete installation tomorrow.
Mickl