Well, it's that time of year again, but (I smugly thought) as I flew through with not even a single advisory last year, there shouldn't be any major problems this time.
How wrong can you be?
The chassis that last year was perfectly OK has apparently turned into a collection of holes held together by rust. So much welding is required that the cost of welding would be the same as the basic cost of a new chassis, so the solution is a no-brainer.

So, a galvanised chassis is called for. My question isn't the eternal Marslands or Richards one though.
Richards offer what seems like a very worthwhile upgrade. Mine has the original fuel tank mounting position, just under the drivers door and between the moron running into the side of you and the chassis. Always seemed like a catastrophe waiting to happen. The upgrade is to mount a TD5 style tank in the much safer position above and between the rear wheels.
So, has anyone any experience with this option? Are there any hidden complications?

Having posted this I suddenly remembered the LZ mantra "Use search FFS" So I did, and have some reading to do. Still happy to receive advice though

Hi Flatlander.

Are you going to have to change the filling position too? same as the TD5 tub.

Cheers

neilly said:

Hi Flatlander.

Are you going to have to change the filling position too? same as the TD5 tub.

Cheers

Click to expand...

I could if needed, at first glance it looks as though the existing fill point might be close enough, but I haven't had a chance to go into details yet.

I just wondered about whether there will be an issue filling it from the original position, in case the pipe has to get routed lower than the tank.

Mine is a 300tdi with the tank under the seat. But it has the td5 tub. opposite to what you would have.

Does sound like an interesting mod though.

Cheers

I'll take plenty of pics.

Richards' get my vote, have had several without issue, but views differ and some say Marslands are just as good as well.
I have just done my 90 and whilst being rebuilt I have done what you have said, td5 rear tank with 200tdi engine.
You will need a tdci or td5 plastic tank, td5's have an in built pump, the tdci ones do not (they are sender only) and thus are suitable for your application as it is the lift pump that draws the fuel.
If you do buy a td5 tank you can simply change the pump for a ROW spec one, part number WQB100430, (island 4x4 are the cheapest from memory)
Fuel lines can be extended, or new, in nylon/rubber hose etc.
As for the fuel filler, I went for the easy option and just fitted a td5 tub, (well I had one sat in the garden so thought I might as well)
Most people seem to go the other way, td5 tub and side mounted tank, I have seen pipework to suit that several times and it works well enough, but never seen it done td5 tank and tdi tub, well not in person anyhow, and don't see it wouldn't work.

Even collected another from Richards' chassis last weekend

Really useful response, thanks Aaron. I will have to have a think about the filler, the tubs in good nick, so don't really want to change it.

Marslands will do you a chassis with tank mounts at the rear too if you ask them.