1973 - 1987 Step Side fender splash aprons

[Jason S]

Hello all. I converted my 1987 fleetside to a stepside, long story short I had to/wanted to use 1973 fenders since they have a side marker light and there were some filler door issues i had to contend with due to dual tanks. This is my first squarebody build, I am much more experienced in GM muscle cars. My question is, was there ever rear fender inner splash shield on stepsides? It seems odd that there is nothing protecting the fuel tank, filler hose and vent line from kicked up road debris. I am not opposed to fitting my own custom made, but if there is something already available I prefer to just buy them instead of fabricating. Thanks.

 

[ali_c20]

Not that I know. The gas tanks sit in front of the rear tires and most of the dirt goes out to the back when driving. The front tires spray the whole bottom of the truck anyway, so protection on the rear doesn't make much sense.

 

[Jason S]

Not that I know. The gas tanks sit in front of the rear tires and most of the dirt goes out to the back when driving. The front tires spray the whole bottom of the truck anyway, so protection on the rear doesn't make much sense.

I suppose, but as soneone who enalyzes risk for a living, I do not approve. I know there were plastic shrouds around the bottom of the tanks, so it seemed odd that something so important, and flammable, was that vulnerable.

 

[bucket]

I suppose, but as soneone who enalyzes risk for a living, I do not approve. I know there were plastic shrouds around the bottom of the tanks, so it seemed odd that something so important, and flammable, was that vulnerable.

It's funny you mention those plastic stone shields on the fuel tanks. The earlier models did not have those. It turns out, all those stone guards do is trap debris and moisture, which rots out the tanks and the straps.

Some things are just better if left alone

 

[Grit dog]

^Hahaha yet i put them back on after replacing a rotted tank! Lol
It was packed with mud and may have been for 30 years. Other tank was pristine.

 

[ali_c20]

It's funny you mention those plastic stone shields on the fuel tanks. The earlier models did not have those. It turns out, all those stone guards do is trap debris and moisture, which rots out the tanks and the straps.

Some things are just better if left alone

I reinstalled the plastic shield but drilled drain holes. If I find to much dirt and moisture trapped behind it I will remove them.

I suppose, but as soneone who enalyzes risk for a living, I do not approve. I know there were plastic shrouds around the bottom of the tanks, so it seemed odd that something so important, and flammable, was that vulnerable.

The plastic shields are on the front bottom side of the tank. The gas tanks are pretty sturdy. If it would rupture because of a stone hurled to it they must be paper thin rusted out.
You could coat them with bedliner.