Pads above 250SL Fuel Tank

[BarryD]

When I removed the fuel tank from my 250SL it had around ten square pads (2" by 2") between the fuel tank and the bottom of the trunk. (shown in yellow on the attachment) They are pretty brittle and took a beating when I removed them from the tank. The guy at MillerMBZ said the pads are part of the fuel tank assembly and I can't buy them seperately. Does anyone know where I can get these? or what material I might use to make replacement ones? Thanks, Barry

[merrill]

call K&K and ask them. 

K&K gets tanks reproduced and may have or know what the correct material is.

[thelews]

Bitumen, as I recall.

[BarryD]

I asked K&K and they said that they dont have them and went on to suggest "you can use roofing tile/shingle material in a few layers ."  The original pads seemed to be compressible so they could fit snugly between the gas tank and the top of the trunk. I don't see how roofing tiles or shingles would work. Does anyone have any other ideas?

[wwheeler]

I would look up McMaster Carr. http://www.mcmaster.com/#rubber/=eybwqn. They have a lot of rubber sheet stock (not expensive) and you can cut out your own.

You would probably want a rubber that is fuel, water and ozone resistant. Viton would be the best but is more expensive and Neoprene would be a good second choice. As far as hardness goes, I would say a 60 A or 70 A would be fine. Just measure the thickness of the current pads and order away.

[66andBlue]

Bitumen, as I recall.

Correct, again!  
It is bituminized (or tar saturated) felt, also called Irish felt among wooden boat builders: http://admiralshipsupply.com/cart/15/prod_2/
K&K also gave you the correct lead, roofers use it too: http://www.roofmaster.com/products/154500-roofmaster-flax-sheath-felt

Barry, I have some left over if you want to drive a few miles south.  

[BarryD]

It's amusing to think that I asked an obscure question on a worldwide forum and recived the correct answer from a guy 5 miles from my home. Even MORE amusing that the guy actually had the obscure stuff I was looking for! Thanks again!!!

[66andBlue]

Hi Barry, you are welcome.
But be prepared as you reclaim your car there is much more obscure stuff on your Pagoda than you ever imagined. 
Now this guy would really be amused (= happy) if you became a full member here. How is that for a deal?

[BarryD]

Done!

[49er]

Barry joins, Steve leaves. What a day in the life of our forum!

John