I need to replace what I think is the fuel tank protector but I'm frankly baffled about the correct part(s). We hit a large ice/snow chunk that fell off a semi last winter and completely destroyed what appears to be a protective shield beneath the fuel tank. Researching the parts online they show what appears to be a one-piece pan that looks nothing like what's on the car. The current one is composed of two aluminum pieces, the outermost one painted black and the innermost one is unpainted and has a dimpled texture. Also, it appears there is a fairly long "tail" that extends back. The part shown on the internet search is also available aluminum ($160+) or an aftermarket replacement for about $50. What I need is the correct part number(s) and also how it mounts (tape - are you kidding?) I'll attach a photo. Sort of hard to see but the remnants are held up by a tie-wrap which makes me nervous.

 

Looks like the PO had the fuel pump replaced seeing that theres Tie wraps holding the tank sheild up. I'd think it'd be bolted to the chassis/floorpan. As far as using a one piece or two piece sheild, as long as the two sheilds are the same or very similar, I'd op for the one piece part.

 

The tank cover is multiple pieces. You are completely missing the outer leading edge piece that is made of plastic. It has a curved front edge that hooks over the top of the tank and partially covers that hose on the front. It is held on with 3 (maybe 4) bolts. One in the bottom center and one on both outside edges towards the rear.

It is either part number 77641-4840 for JDM cars or 77641-0E010 for NAP cars. See part # 6 in the diagram below

https://www.mylparts.com/v-2007-lexu...tem-components

There are 2 diagrams. Scroll half way down and look at the 2nd diagram.

 

Thought I'd post a couple more photos and a couple questions. The side view shows the crumpled up shield. The rear view shows the dimpled part that extends all the way back on the tank. It's attached (rivets I think) to the black front cover. Is this a standard shield or something special? None of the part diagram views I've seen look anything like this. I'll check out the part numbers Dennis posted.

Rear vies

Side view

 

I looked at the parts diagram and I'm still a little confused. The dimpled aluminum shield shown in Rear View is about a foot wide and close to three feet long and it's definitely attached to the front shield which is black-painted aluminum. I'm wondering if the dimpled shield was for some special application and I don't really need it. Should I just buy the 77641-48040 and hope it mounts the same as the destroyed one. Thoughts?

 

I have that dimpled shield on my car (also an 07) too, so leave it alone.

The shield that is damaged can probably be bent back in shape. It is not a full shield, it is intended to protect the side of the tank. I think all you need is the missing front shield that is made out of plastic.

Looking at your first photo, I think someone took the front plastic shield off before you hit the ice because there are absolutely no remnants, especially where it bolts onto the body.

I will try to remember to take a photo of my car later on when the sun is up.

 

I took some photos of my 07 that was assembled in Canada.. All photos were taken from either the front or the driver's side.

As I look at your photo in your first post and look at my 4th photo that I titled "gas tank mounting strap w front cover bolts", the mounting straps are not the same. Mine is like 2 pieces of metal with studs for mounting this missing cover. Yours is one piece with no studs. I wonder if the gas tank mounting strap is on backwards. Look in the center of your photo along the bottom of the tank. There is a silver metal strap with a hole in the end. Looking at my photo, the hole in the strap goes over one of the front cover mounting studs. That is why I think your tank strap is on backwards. Another thing, look at the dimpled aluminum panel. Note the front corner positioning. On your car it is on top of the other strap. On my car it is below the strap. I think yours is tucked up there so it doesn't flap in the breeze.


gas tank front cover installed


gas tank front cover removed


gas tank front cover inside view



3730 - gas tank mounting strap w front cover bolts


gas tank side cover viewed from front


gas tank side cover side view


gas tank side cover front corner view



3734 - gas tank side cover rear half


gas tank rear dimple cover

 

Dang that looks like it hurt and did some damage.
That tank protector maybe saved the day from a breakdown in the cold.

 

I'll attach another photo looking from the front. Sorry, I can't get a better one but I have to lay on the ground for these. The black aluminum shield that attaches to the dimpled shield is completely crushed and destroyed and that's what is secured with a tie-wrap (you can sort of see it on the extreme RH side). So, if I understand, there should be a plastic shield that goes in front of what I'm going to call the two-piece aluminum shield assembly? Does it attach to the shield assembly or to the frame, because I see no studs or other attachment points? Apparently, the plastic shield is completely gone. If I have to replace it I will have to cut away the crushed aluminum shield to make it fit (it's hanging down about three inches!)
Would anybody have a part number for the two-piece aluminum shield assembly?

 

I misstated the year/model - it's a 2005 RX330 (we've also got a 2007). Regardless, I've done part searches all the way back to 2004 (beginning of Gen 2) and all the parts are identical - and nothing looks like what is under my car! Looking at this plastic shield it appears that it mounts to the two-part shield. Is that correct?

 

Fuel tank protection:




There are 4 insulators:

 

I ordered a 77641-48040 protector so I hope it fits with some of the two-part shield missing. Thanks all for your input. If this continues to be a problem I'm sure I'll return. As an aside, during the winter in Denver we get a lot of trucks that come down from the mountains and by the time they get into town they've dropped about 5000 feet and picked up a lot of snow and ice and it's not unusual to have a huge chunk drop off- up to maybe 2 ft cube - that if you happen to hit it can cause major damage, hence the problem I'm having.

 

Again, look at the strap that runs down the center of the gas tank. There should be 2 threaded studs coming out the front of it. I suspect that that strap has been put on backwards, so look at it from the back end and hopefully you will see the studs.

As for the other shields, they look to me as if they are basically ok, just a little bending to get them back in shape.

I am beginning to wonder if the dimpled shield is not is the correct position because of the gas tank strap being on backwards.

Here are 2 more photos. These are od that dimpled cover taken from the rear of the car.

gas tank dimple cover from driver rear


gas tank dimple cover from passenger rear

 

I'll check out the strap tomorrow. The diagram of the plastic cover shows two dimples in the center that must be for screws or nuts to attach to that center strap. If it's turned around then I have another problem because I'm not about to dismount the fuel tank. Re the crushed shield. Picture a crushed beer can only the aluminum is ten times thicker. It's pushed back about eight inches and hangs down about the same amount. I'll probably have to cut it off with a Dremel. My favorite saying is "Life happens while you're making other plans."