Freelander 1 Fuel tank cradle

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MaxTheDog1

MaxTheDog1

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Hi All,
Having read this:
www.landyzone.co.uk

Freelander 1 - Fuel Tank Cradle - an alternative?

Always on the look out for things to make life easier. Seeing how most 20 Yr old F1s have a rotted fuel tank cradle and changing it is a bit involved to say the least! Drop rear subframe, prop off etc. I found these...
www.landyzone.co.uk www.landyzone.co.uk

My cradle is suffering from an almost completely rusted through bar. The plates are ok with only what looks like surface rust. I’ve got the bars that Andyfreelandy linked to.
Can anyone confirm or not if using an angle grinder/multi tool on the welds between the bars and the plates is doable or is it not possible to get in there.
I’m intending to do what Alibro suggested with cable ties on the bars and holes drilled (very carefully) into the plates.
Any other pitfalls/ advice would be appreciated.
Cheers,
Michael.
 
Last edited:
2mm chequer plate works well.

To remove the old cradle you have to drop the subframe so not much to be gained with bars only. Lower cost and easier to manage into position but would always fit all the metal work to match the original.

I was worried about a UJ failure fracturing the tank without the correct plate in place.
 
Thanks Chris and Andy.
I’ll report back hopefully later this week. Got oil/air/turbo filters to change. So will have a good look around.
Might the job that tips me over to buying a MIG at last…..
👍🏻
 
Big thanks for your time on this Andy.
There ordered.
Not an urgent job, but needs in the near future. Better than dropping the rear frame to do the job.
Thanks.
 
As mentioned above, you won't get old cradle out without dropping subframe. Maybe careful cutting but dropping subframe is easier.
 
Thanks Andy.
As an old Coach Builder and who has access to decent pit and workshop facilities, thought I would give it a go.
But as always, welcome any advice from yourself.
I definitely do not know it all!!
My thought was to take out one side with a thin blade grinder. Then fix that sides tank support tube.
Then take out the other side and replace.
After which, fabricate a plate between the two, to replicate the original set up.
With that said, drilling and fixing that plate to the straps would only compromise the strength of those straps. But with a view to spreading the load, would leave it cleaved around the straps, as it were going no where, but doing the job.
Would really welcome your thoughts Andy. And any others.
Cheers all.

Gary.
 
I have a cradle in decent condition with only light surface rust if you want it. I assume it was replaced maybe a year or so before I bought the car. A drop of paint and it would be like new. Only looking £25 plus postage.
 
Hi Alibro.
As it goes, my straps have arrived. The ones andyfreelandy linked. Thanks for the offer though.
What I,m looking to do, Is fit these without dropping the rear assembly. Do you know if this is possible?
My thinking is, with the tank close to empty, carefully take out one side of the straps with thin bladed grinder once un-bolted. Fit new strap and plates. Then move onto the other side.
With just the bars to get in place, once the old is removed i,m sure it must be achievable. Need to get it over a pit at work to see better.
But if anyone has done this, be good to hear.
Regards .
Gary.
 
MULDERKE said:
Hi Alibro.
As it goes, my straps have arrived. The ones andyfreelandy linked. Thanks for the offer though.
What I,m looking to do, Is fit these without dropping the rear assembly. Do you know if this is possible?
My thinking is, with the tank close to empty, carefully take out one side of the straps with thin bladed grinder once un-bolted. Fit new strap and plates. Then move onto the other side.
With just the bars to get in place, once the old is removed i,m sure it must be achievable. Need to get it over a pit at work to see better.
But if anyone has done this, be good to hear.
Regards .
Gary.
Click to expand...
No probs
I believe you can manoeuvre the cradle in without fully dropping the rear subframe but you will need to drop it a bit. I'm not sure how much.
 
Hi All,
The inevitable time has come when my 2002 V6 too suffers from a rusted away tank cradle. Thanks for all the advice found here 🙏

Been looking at the 'alternative' solution and searched eBay, where several vendors say their straps fit diesel versions. Does anyone know if there is any difference between the tank cradles on a diesel vs. petrol Freelander 1?

Thanks J
 
jebee said:
Hi All,
The inevitable time has come when my 2002 V6 too suffers from a rusted away tank cradle. Thanks for all the advice found here 🙏

Been looking at the 'alternative' solution and searched eBay, where several vendors say their straps fit diesel versions. Does anyone know if there is any difference between the tank cradles on a diesel vs. petrol Freelander 1?

Thanks J
Click to expand...
I think they are the same but don't quote me on that. Have you considered trying to repair yours? I successfully replaced the plates on a couple of cars by (very carefully) cutting out the old ones and making replacements from sheet alloy secured with cable ties. The bars were in good enough condition that a drop of anti rust paint kept them OK.
Of course as sods law demands, I dumped the one I had a few months ago.
 
I have done the same in the past with 2mm checker plate.

If fitting new support bars I would still fabricate replacement plates. They help stop the tank being pierced or damaged by underbody items, rocks or even debris thrown up from road.
 
Thanks Alibro and Andy, appreciate it. Plates are probably a good idea, will look into that. Primary focus is to get it through MOT. The current cradle is beyond salvation I'm afraid, think I'll be lucky if I can still use the screw holes 😅
 
Good to know, cheers.

I'll go ahead and order a pair of straps and hope they fit, if there turns out to be a difference between diesel & petrol after all then I suppose I'll just try to make them fit somehow.
 
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