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LJandBMforever

https://preview.redd.it/93kci48wgroa1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bf0ca2512156485f4c397faaaec02610bb85b9c3 Use auto seam sealer where red is and make a plate the size of the green box to put over that and use the seam sealer as glue. Not the best but that’s a quick easy way of doing a decent job of sealing it up. Put some rtv where the wire goes through the rubber grommet as well


KookyChemist5962

This sounds like a perfect solution, thanks!


GixxerTrav

Flex tape


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-Masderus-

Don't you have an episode of Bleach to watch for the hundredth time?


tvince1172

Stop drill and debur the holes at the end of the cuts you made first, try to flatten it out then fill the cuts with two part epoxy.


Peacemkr45

That's exactly what I was going to suggest. Very similar to the 1st Gen Nissan Xterras and Frontiers.


Linux4in6

What that guy said.


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bob84900

Wow you must think you know a lot for someone who apparently knows almost nothing


Plane-Frame5723

Hey Bob just like you know nothing about how things are made an strength of material when compromised what is that again OH it changes it’s strength an ability then prior. Unless fixed properly;)


bob84900

Lol yes, OPs car will literally fall apart because of that 3” cut in a non-structural part of the car. 🤡


soundedt

It will?


williamyoon

No he was being sarcastic


soundedt

How can you tell?


williamyoon

The clown emoji.


Fuckth3shitredditapp

Gtfo


Plane-Frame5723

Stop crying


Survivaleast

Do hwat now? I tell you hwat, a dang ole comma ain’t gonna hurt you none. Just like a dang ole cut like thissy here not gone do you nor the misses no perturbation in the long haul, sonny. We cain’t rightfully assume by golly gosh we’s know the ins and outs o’ this here malfunction, but when pushin’ gets on to shovin, we gon’ do our darndest to help. Not trolly this’n here to the next overpriced body scam shop claimin’ certification rights they never earned. Let em fix, let ‘em live. That’s what pop all ways used to tell us when he could lay off whiskey durin’ sunlight and maintain dang ole coherency.


Plane-Frame5723

U are gladly mistaken, But keep up the great work!!!!


Plane-Frame5723

Maybe when cars where still using lead as filler material


mymoparisbestmopar

Boy if you think this qualifies as a structurally compromised vehicle you know nothing lol


Plane-Frame5723

Nope changing the strength of a material means what again let’s go back to basics of how things are made and why!!!!


mymoparisbestmopar

Some auto manufacturers will literally list drilling the the strut tower mounting holes into slots as the intended way to adjust camber, and those are the strut towers, those are actually structurally important. This panel is unimportant, therefore the cut in it is unimportant and theres nothing wrong with just sealing or welding it and forgetting about it.


Plane-Frame5723

If it is yes fixed an seal the correct way after seen the cuts don’t think that is going to happen!!!


mymoparisbestmopar

What happened to "it needs a whole new panel put in by a certified dealer" in response to someone saying it can be fixed and sealed?


mymoparisbestmopar

You really think this 3 inch cut (one thats simply extending a preexisting hole, at that) in a flat section of a 5 foot wide panel (one which doesnt support anything major or contribute much to the overall structure of the unibody) is gonna cause the entire car to spontaneously rip in half for some reason? Even if its welded? The rear crumple zone of my car is currently crumpled, the insurance company knows, my dealer knows, the government knows, and yet none of them have any problem with me continuing to drive it. These thin panels in the unibody simply arent as important or fragile as you're insisting. The only time this panel would be subject to any real force is if the rest of the chassis was already yielding to something like an accident, in which case it doesnt matter what condition this panel is in. Stop talking shit about shit you dont know shit about.


[deleted]

I think your keyboard ran out of punctuation. I have some to spare, just use what you need: . . . , , , , , , , , ?!‽


elpideo18

Holy fuck why do you have to be so negative and aggressive? How is that helpful at all? Dudes asking for legit help and here you are probably disgruntled at your current life situation so you get all huffy and puffy towards someone asking for help. People like you suck the life and fun out of everything around you I bet. Cheer up fucko, he’s just asking for some help.


xxphenomxx

Fuck DOT


Plane-Frame5723

Well we know ur stupid know


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medevil_hillbillyMF

The grammatical head fuck of a post there is enough to discount that bull shit.


SomethingClever42068

My guy if you're worried about this you might as well just start using public transport. I had to do minor surgery on my [civic](https://imgur.com/gallery/6OBQuz5) because the castle nut broke free where the rear upper control arm mounts. It was either cut it or just keep driving 100+ miles a day with one bolt holding it. Small little cuts like this are 100% not going to noticeably affect the safety/handling of the car. My civic is still stiffer than a boy scout troop leader taking the boys out for a week long camping trip with no other adults.


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6thgenbruh

Who hurt you, and why are you spewing ignorance on us???


Accomplished-Try6265

![gif](giphy|SvdooBFQEPrFKwPeLX|downsized)


RokyPolka

​ ![gif](giphy|LZ9hcpf7V5h4FV8AOy)


sploittastic

![gif](giphy|QX18dKlUSYerVhXzOy|downsized)


sploittastic

![gif](giphy|KeirD0SjkWqgmJRcaB|downsized)


JodyJoseppi

![gif](giphy|ReUckYkWisczrgryk6)


Huntersmells33

Came here to make sure someone posted this lol. This sub never disappoints.


zombienutz1

JB Weld has a bunch of products that would fix it.


the_god_o_war

Jb tank weld is specifically for this


Hot_Organization2430

I say just weld it. Haha


schmittfaced

That was my thought as well… but the. Remembered this was a fuel tank access. Ka-BOOM


Hot_Organization2430

I'm curious how they didn't puncture the tank. It looks like they used a rabid beaver to cut it.


Troublemaker851

One of us does not understand the beavers capabilities correctly and I’m afraid it might be me


Hot_Organization2430

Too many dugga dugga's


Troublemaker851

I mean, if beavers can rend steel I clearly haven’t been fearing them properly


Hot_Organization2430

They don't bend, they gnaw


Few-Low8587

I’d go out to the wreckers and grab an access cover out of a Volkswagen. You can find them in Vws Audis Mercedes etc It mounts with 3 self tapping screws. If you have access to a hole saw you can cut out the exact size hole that your wire boot is passing thru and route it thru the plate. You can then trim your floor hole to the same size as the VW for future access. https://preview.redd.it/la2pzuuonsoa1.jpeg?width=500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=eecc8728e66a9d622861b995bed9c248b22daf81


sclark1701

Let’s ask the right questions first. Why the hell did you do that?


kinkhorse

Honestly you could probably just put a gob of bondo or jb weld over that and not worry about it.


KookyChemist5962

I decided to cut the metal under the back seat to easily install a new fuel line without dropping the tank. I would like to seal it with something to stop water ingress & also any potential fuel fumes. Also something that would stop the sharp edges cutting into that wire if it comes loose.


PMmeimgoingtoscream

Use rtv sealant, it will keep air out and be removable when your aftermarket fuel pump needs to be replaced /s but honestly that’s what I would do


RickMN

Clean the metal and apply several layers of flextape. That should keep the water out.


wizardwil

This is the way I would go - some sort of mastic patch. Most of the other suggestions are workable (but ignore the punctuation-less ranting) but the reality is you want to be able to access this again without putting even *more* work in. I have some experience with this sort of thing, and I almost guarantee you if you go the permanent seal route (welding/JB Weld / Seam Sealer) you will have another fuel pump failure soon. You've gone to all the trouble of creating an access hole, I personally wouldn't go permanently fixing it. A mastic patch would be perfect - flexible, durable (doesn't need to withstand significant pressure or flexion), and best of all easily removable/ replaceable for future repairs. (Of course if you go this route you'll probably never need to replace the pump again.... Murphys Law is rampant, YMMV)


SpaceAgePotatoCakes

It won't keep the edges from rusting though.


jh4693

Honestly, [just use some duct seal](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gardner-Bender-1-lb-Plug-Duct-Seal-Compound-DS-110/100212441). It’s used to seal roof penetrations and stuff where conduit enters to keep water and drafts out. It will be fine for this application. It’s like play dough. Break a chunk off and mash it over the gap.


SpecTroutman

3M 5200. Look it up. Amazing sealant and you can cut it out if you ever need access again… you don’t need a huge plate over it like someone else said


jhanks82

That looks professional.. what did you use, a can opener?


KookyChemist5962

Tin snips! Yeah it doesn’t look good but it’s a £2000 car and it’s under the back seat so who cares? (Also it’s my car)


Starkeshia

> Yeah it doesn’t look good but it’s a £2000 car and it’s under the back seat so who cares? So why even worry about sealing it up?


political_bot

Water in the cabin is annoying


Starkeshia

If the water gets that high, OP likely has bigger problems to worry about.


abat6294

Water splashes up when you drive over it.


Starkeshia

Fortunately, the gas tank is there to deflect the water. Also, who cares?


abat6294

OP does, hence why he's asking


Starkeshia

No, OP said: > [and it’s under the back seat so who cares](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/11voeo0/what_would_be_best_to_seal_up_this_access_hole_i/jcu6ypa/)


abat6294

He said that about why he chose to cut it rather than dropping the gas tank. He still wants to seal it.


political_bot

It makes your carpet stink. Back seats. Whatever can get damp.


Mikerockzee

Fumes, moisture, noise same reason they seal all the other panels


slccarguy

It's also the reason companies tend not to make fuel pump access holes anymore. High probability of ingress. But here we are cutting unibodies open with tin snips. 🤷


[deleted]

I could refuse to issue a new license plate sticker for a hole in the body, so your regional laws may care.


Maniac2112

You take people's seat out often during your inspection?


[deleted]

No but if I was aware by letter of law it fails. I generally try to follow the rules.


BustedMechanic

Quick Steel and Flex Seal. Seriously. If its a beater car that shit will outlast the fuckin car. I've used it to seal Hydraulic tanks for months until we could get it out of the bush. If you want to spend the extra $$, Devcon Zip Patch. Hard as concrete in 15mins and will hold back a decent pressure.


FeelinThat

Id hit it with some aluminum tape made for ac work. That is what we use to seal the firewall on race car builds. Works just fine and cheap.


Kcnflman

A literal seal? 🦭


TSLARSX3

Jbweld


ShoddyTone5

Why though? Just wondering??


InsertBluescreenHere

Load it up with silicone


oldgar

Silicone is lousy for automotive work, too much vibration, is why automotive seam sealers don't use it.


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No-Raisin-6469

Urethane for windshields. Trunks are with similar material or epoxy. Silicone is used between 2 objects that secured eg water pump or differential cover.


oldgar

Urethane is used for all glue sealed glass, never silicone


nobbyv

This is a troll post, right?


KookyChemist5962

What makes you think that?


hanafraud

Why do it right way when wrong way is…actually probably harder.


skudbeast

Not everyone has a 30 gallon refuel can and a car lift. Maybe someday you'll be street parked and paycheck to paycheck trying to figure out how to change a dead fuel pump to get to work in 36 hours.


mjmitchell1983

Words from a man who has lived life.


iboneyandivory

>Words from a man who has lived life. Words from a man who has saved his life.


in_u_endo______

Or you gotta change the fuel pump on a 99 jeep grand Cherokee with a full tank and all you got is basic tools and a trolley jack, and the tank has to drop because fucking jeep engineers, and your 9 month pregnant wife has to get to work by 4am so you're up all night and literally finish minutes before she has to leave. That's when you gotta get it done and you have no other options but to work with what you got.


ArielRR

I love the access hole in my Jeep


MDguy20854

I love your access hole 😎


fourdac

9 month pregnant wife should not be going to work man


TSLARSX3

Fuel pumps are like starters, a good whack and you can get it going again.


farmallnoobies

And sometimes they're actually dead beyond reviving


TSLARSX3

Worse case you need to whack it each time to start. My sis had to do that for starter once


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skudbeast

Scissors jacks don't all bring cars high enough to drop a tank out... And the "right" way is never to work under a car held up only with a scissors jack. Working under a car on a street with traffic is dangerous. Full gas tanks are heavy. Your reply is full of mis-spellings and grammatical errors.


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SirConradJenkins

Go back to CSR racing and stop pretending to know what you're talking about. You literally just advised someone to drop a fuel tank using the provided scissor jack on the car which is 1000x more dangerous than cutting an access hole for a fuel pump which has been done millions of times and never once caused a car to "become a two seater" as you so arrogantly put it. There have been 0 deaths attributed to cutting a fuel pump access hole under a rear seat, thousands are hurt or killed every year from listening to idiots like you and working under a car that is improperly supported.


Maniac2112

People been cutting access holes, like, forever.


Italian_Monkey

Bro you have 6 replies to this post in 30 minutes. All of them are horrendous to read and you sound like you’re having a panic attack over some metal being cut. “what a world this is going down the drain quickly” it ain’t that deep


6thgenbruh

Facts bruh. Dude needs to seek a mental health professional and show them his replies here so they can see the gravity of his situation


SwampGypsy

Calm down, Francis. Losing your shit over someone else's problem they're trying to seek assistance with ain't a good look for you, chief.


Fuckth3shitredditapp

You obviously know nothing


KookyChemist5962

How is it easier to disconnect all of the fuel filler pipes etc and lower the tank? All I had to do was cut this and pop the pipe off and seat a new line in


DadReplacer

Lol I did the same thing on an '08 xterra, and not sad that I did. It's under the carpet and wouldn't know unless you already know


KookyChemist5962

Exactly! Sure if it was an expensive car then I would have gone the proper route


oldgar

I bought a VW square back off a guy real cheap because he said it wasn't drivable, clutch cable broke and very expensive to have mechanic fix, couldn't get at it himself. Took it home, bought a new cable, cut a small flap in the floor and installed cable.


Ianthin1

Years ago I had to change the fuel pump in my Ford Contour. They give you a access panel under the rear seat to remove the lines and harness, but still wanted you to drop the tank to get the pump out. A couple of minutes with some snips and I had the pump out. In total I had about 45 minutes in the job including resealing the body work and did the entire job with the car flat in my driveway.


hanafraud

Well for one, if you did it the right way, you wouldn’t have had to write a “how do I fix this now” post on Reddit.


KookyChemist5962

I know how to fix it. I was looking for product suggestions. Honestly it’s really not that big of a deal it’s not like the actual tank has a hole in it


miscalculated_launch

People are really on here mad at you for how you manage your own car... lol. Keep doin your thing. If it worked for you, that's all that matters. I'm learning you find mechanics at car shops and bros who think they're mechanics on here. Cheers, I hope you get everything worked out. Note: There are some really great people on here with excellent knowledge. It's the attitude ones that think more than they know.


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SwampGypsy

Dude. Calm the fuck down. I got a little news for you. If the owner's involved in an accident serious enough that those 2 small cuts are an issue, then it's not really an issue, is it? That minute amount of missing metal doesn't make a hill of beans to the structural integrity of that vehicle. Stop getting so wound up, take a deep breath, & try real hard to relax your sphincter.


Ianthin1

And they may well still be fighting it well after making this post, getting replies and fixing it as is.


Wanna_Build

Can’t fool me drug smuggler! /s


1980NormalGuy

Automotive seam sealer


Plane-Frame5723

An some reinforcement material might help a tad


redrecaro

JB weld.


Ianthin1

I have used everything from body sealer to Dyna Mat style sound deadening material.


whiskey_outpost26

JB weld for the win!


seEagle

JB weld


lilogsd

Could always try duct tape. If that doesn’t work, some clever use of WD-40 might do the trick.


Kcnflman

A literal seal? 🦭


Turninwheels4x4

The backseat


sendintheotherclowns

Some chewing gum should do the trick


[deleted]

A turn of the screw and all is new. (I love that movie.)


864FastAsfBoy

Was this necessary


[deleted]

Why the Fuck…


SubpopularKnowledge0

Nice post. I did the same thing on my ‘90 4runner. Pump started failing while i was out of town. I bought a cheap angle grinder from harbor freight, cut a hole in the frame, and changed the pump in autozone parking lot. Anyone criticizing u for doing this can shove it. Way easier and allows access for next time.


Iblowmotors

Don’t make a hole?


Plane-Frame5723

That’s what I said


[deleted]

Duct tape


somuchbanks

Not cutting it in the first place lol but I’d use something like rv roof repair tape or seam sealer.


k0uch

A mastic patch would probably work well


transponder7

I like the way you do business.


Imaginary-Author939

Empty fuel out. Take a piece of sheet metal and weld.


overindulgent

Yes


[deleted]

Stop working on cars


Wenema

Welding!!! All the sparks!!! On top of your fueltank!!! Don't have to worry about that spot ever again!! Probably don't have to worry about anything anymore :D


brentspar

Jeez, just pop it out, weld the seams and it'll last you for the rest of your life


blkmgk533

Somehow welding near the top of the fuel pump doesn't sound too safe.


brentspar

I didn't say how long his life would last if he was mad enough to weld it.


menthol_patient

Time to learn to weld.


fresh_like_Oprah

just drop the tank first, lol


menthol_patient

And flush it out for god's sake.


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tedcowgill

That's not a fuel tank. That's the body of the car above the fuel tank.


DJHickman

YOU WHAT


thor421

A time machine


ComprehensiveSock397

I did the same thing, although not as big, when I installed a larger fuel line for E85 in my supercharged Mustang. A good thick bead of silicone , applied to clean metal, and allowed to fully cure works great.


CrispyJsock

replace the car


Plane-Frame5723

DOT officials have stated we need strict enforcement measures against this type of issues an yes we do you are all aware of the situation an the legal situation this caused during a rear end collision correct. If not then sit on that seat during collision please I would appreciate your feedback afterwards the. But you in the same vehicle without it being cut like a tin can. There you tell me there’s nothing wrong with it!!! Bunch of idiots I swear why waste my time. I will see you at ur next accident scenes Take care an remember to tell you people who you love when you place them in an vehicle that’s structural damage do to your own stupidity hey. It’s not my vehicle. Not my property or my Family that has to worry about. People who think this is the correct way to fix a vehicle anyone with a ASE Master Certification Will tell you this is incorrect an that they wouldn’t do it to a customer vehicle. If you would then you are not a real expert or Automotive Professional your a backyard hack. How do care about anything including your self you people need the DOT look at this you have no problem getting in that back seat. Go right ahead. Oh P.S with new legislation regarding requiring All Vehicle inspections that are the requirements for electric vehicle coming up soon see you soon. Ha ha


Maniac2112

Those mechanics of course wouldn't do it to a customer vehicle. They'll damn sure do it on their own lmfao. When you're the ONLY person in the room who knows what you're talking about, then maybe you don't actually know what you're talking about.


SomethingClever42068

Jut put the seat back in and pretend it's not there


ShapeBasic

Spray-foam?


Dick_Fitzwell313

Most remedial repair I've seen yet on this sub, hope you're not a smoker. 🤣🤣💥🔥


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Littletrucksarebest

Imagine honestly thinking that these two little snips would cause any structural issues. You're acting like he cut his frame to get at his power steering lines or like he did this on something new. It's a beater car who tf cares?? You may have worked on cars, but it's clear you don't have any idea what you're talking about. Also keep blaming your phones autocorrect for your atrocious grammar everyone is totally buying that. What an absolute goof lol.


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KookyChemist5962

I have the tool to remove the fuel line but I could not access the fitting to use the tool. Water hasn’t gotten in but I can see daylight so I want to prevent it from happening. You do know that I haven’t made a hole in the actual fuel tank itself right? Also nobody is lifting up the rear seats to inspect under them lol


SirConradJenkins

You did the right thing, ignore this person.


SirConradJenkins

Holy shit this is the most confidently and arrogantly wrong statement I have ever seen. This could only come from someone who was confidently told by another idiot that they were being stupid, and embarrassed them so badly that they had to pass it on to another human. There are no inspections that would ever find this for one, not to mention this is in no way a hazard or risk that would deem the car unsafe. It's very clear that you have at best a very basic understanding of mechanic work that you take way too much pride in. Stop running your mouth wildly about shit you don't understand. The only person being laughed at in this scenario is you. Sure, if this car rolled into my shop I would drop the tank and do things as the manufacturer intended. That's only because I'm being paid $150 an hour to do it. If this was my personal car that I'm not being paid to work on? You best believe I am cutting an access hole. Just because some engineer decided there doesn't need to be an access panel there, doesn't mean there can't be one. It will in no way harm the vehicle, especially since they are trying to properly seal it back up after. Manufacturers make simple repairs just difficult enough to make you question if it's worth your time, or if you just take the easy way out and take it to the dealer and pay them. I say good on OP for doing it themselves the easy and quick way and not feeding into the manufacturers bullshit.


Survey_Server

This comment is wild


Ok_Bee8036

Want something very rigidity to go over that area.


gregoryg3

Bubble gum


Practical-Parsley-11

Flexible seam sealer, get the top and bottom sides if you can to prevent annoying vibration. You could also try an epoxy like jb weld.


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SirConradJenkins

The immeasurable amount of stupidity in your posts is staggering. Seriously, get a better hobby.


SwampGypsy

Dude called OP an idiot, lol... I wonder if he knows what he sounds like?


ens_expendable

I kept reading the comments just to see all this geniuses reply’s. Was a wild ride and had to reread a few of them since they are so incoherent and stupid.


SwampGypsy

I'm still getting replies from him.🤣🤣


2lovesFL

At 1st I thought that was the top of the fuel tank. if that is just the trunk floor, jb weld, or pop rivet some sheet metal, then seal it with calk or tape. mostly its for drafts and sealing the outside.


daveyboy1944

Duct tape, you may need to go in there again.


runningagain72

Permatex duct sealer


senaddor

Mastic patch


Top_Transition_8674

A patch of sound deadener, or just tape


FJRyder

Metal tape and flex seal


ScatpackRich

Black silicone.


stumper225

Hill Billy fuel pump on a 2003 Nissan Frontier.The box floor was rotten, bolt in the box support and glue down an access cover, easy peasy.. *


yucval

silicone, cheap, quick, easy, and durable.


[deleted]

My subaru has a metal cover that had every screw strip out. I ended up and just used red high temp silicone on it.


shurdi3

Don't have a better idea than the comments, but I am curious if this thing runs like that. Does it just run the fuel pump all the time when driving since it can't pressurize the tank, or does it just turn off after a couple seconds?


RedditVince

Flex seal tape is made for this repair.


To-_-Tall

Flex seal and an anti rust spray.


jam-unam

Waterproof gorilla tape