That is what I had in mind when I mentioned it. I originally
read it is some recent magazine/catalog/Website description
of the Spitfire's origins. (Sorry, I can't remember exactly where).
Doug Braun
'72 Spit
At 07:26 AM 4/13/00 -0400, you wrote:
>Bowen, Patrick A RP2 wrote:
> > The gas tank is attached by I believe 8 bolts to sheet metal. It is not
> > designed to be structural and any additional structural value it might
>have
> > would be intrensic. There is no way you would want to place a fuel tank
>in
> > the position of accepting body stress as that would compromise its
> > integrity. Hence the reason there is almost a 2 inch gap between it and
> > other sheet metal the entire way around it.
> >
>On the Spitfire and the TR4/4A (and I assume TR6) the gas tank prevents a
>great deal of body flex. When removed, moving the body tub around or placing
>it on jack stands results a great deal of panel movement. If this doesn't
>make it structural, it sure makes it an integral part of the body.
>
>Cheers
>Keith
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