Skid plate for 46gal fuel tank

Am preparing for a skid plate to protect the 46g transfer flow tank. Figure 1/4"aluminum. Has anyone done this already? Would love to hear from someone who has.
Questions; how to best support the drive shaft side? Is a gap really needed between tank and plate? Or would stickyback foam tape be better?

Keep on truckin...

 

I'm surprised that transfer flow doesn't make a skid plate for their tanks, that was one of the first questions I asked when I purchased mine. Be interesting to see what you come up with.

 

Yeah, seems like a slam dunk money maker if they did. For every two tanks sold they would probably sell one skid plate.
Ever see one of those slick plastic skid plates? Helps slide over stuff.I may have to see how the material prices out compared to aluminum.

 

You could use the plastic material they use on the bottom of airboats.

 

I will check on this. I have purchased 1/4" slick plastic before from woodworking supply, feels almost oily, great for guide, glides, and receiving platforms. Never bought a piece this big before. I have contacts at Harrington plastics I can ask.

I just really don't like having to be in the dark if something has been done before. Don't want to reinvent the wheel,you know.

Thanks for the boat idea, that could open the possibility of a large piece,maybe used.

 

The gas tank itself is very heavy duty, and probably
Ten times less likely to get damaged on impact than the factory plastic tank even with its massive paper thin skid plate. I'm sure however for peace of mind I'd still like to have a skid plate on I'd probably prefer to use 1/4" thick aluminum though if I designed one.

 

Have decided on aluminum for the skid plate. Can get some used 1/8" hiway signs and will laminate 2 together. Will start detailing the shape this weekend I hope. Still uncertain how it will anchor on the side toward the driveshaft.