2010 GT Fuel Tank Punctured

[prae_21]

Hi Guys,

Some idiot here in ATL left his tire iron in the middle of the road and the car in front of me spit it back under my car which punctured the fiberglass fuel tank shield as well as the tank itself. Cost=$1600 for parts (made of carbon fiber direct from factory) and labor. My insurance is covering it so I am paying the $500 deductible.

Question: There is a plastic/fiberglass shield towards the front of the tank that was punctured as well. I have the option of replacing it or leaving the damaged shield (2 inch puncture) over the new fuel tank and getting $150.

What should I do? Replace fuel tank shield or pocket $150?

Here are my thoughts: The shield did not protect it this time. It will not affect driving or performance. The probability of something hitting the same spot is very slim. Most important, I could use the cash to pay a driving citation Is there something I'm missing. Any engineers or mechanics know the importance or significance of that shield?

Thanks,
prae_21

 

[dhcolesj]

I'm not an engineer, but considering the make up of the tank itself, I would want the shield. I'm surprised they didn't sandwich in some form of aluminum in the shield, but even that wouldn't have stopped a high speed tire iron.

That shield was never designed to stop completely the obstacle you faced, but there are a lot more that you never think of that hit at that thing, small rocks, pieces of glass, water, salt, etc. Even still it may have slowed the iron down and kept it from doing even more damage. Ultimately it would be up to you, but I'd feel better with it there.

 

[Dewyrussler]

+1 for what dhcolesj said.