In "an abundance of caution", the term lawyers use, I advised my bodyshop guy that we should probably remove the fuel tank before beginning work.  He was not miffed.  Actually, he thanked me; and we will add the cost of removal and replacement of fuel tank to the revised estimate to Insurance Company.  I think they will agree too.  Yeah, it's very important to get all this stuff in writing....judges love writing.

    On Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at 11:56:28 AM PST, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net> wrote:  
 
  Wise advise.  One thing I have learned....don't piss off your mechanic, or your doctor.

    On Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at 11:51:38 AM PST, LarsP <olgreywoof@gmail.com> wrote:  
 
 
My nickel.  Only if you want to piss him off by telling him you don’t trust him to do his work.  Then you have a bad attitude going into everything else he does to your van.  Maybe you could bring up the issue by asking in an off-hand way that makes clear you’re just a guy asking a question and he’s the authority.

  

From: Richard Koerner
Sent: Tuesday, December 26, 2023 11:54 AM
To: vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com
Subject: Welding near fuel tank

  

So...my Vanagon got T-boned on passenger side.  I have located a donor Vanagon.  To help my bodyshop guy, I removed dash.  Good...now we can get down to details.  The mess is all on the right side; floor, step-in area.  Door is toast, but Donor provides.

  

Our plan is to do a "clip".  This means, precisely cutting out section from my van.  Also, precisely cutting out section from Donor van.  Put Part B into Van A.  Weld them together.

My concern?  Hey...that gasoline tank is nearby.  Sparks from angle grinder or Sawsall.  Dang...the whole thing could explode!  And eliminate my Van and also the bodyshop's building, not to mention human loss or damage.

My bodyshop guy is extremely experienced in Vanagons.  Yet, he has made no mention of removing fuel tank and stuff before beginning work.

Should I insist on removing fuel tank?