67 build sheets

[g.r.rogers]

I'm pressently restoring my BB L-71. Everything has mathing numbers when I check dates by the book or from NCRS members for verifications. I read that my build sheet is supposed to by on the top of the gas tank. At present the car is being gel coated then the usual steps to follow. Now with the gas tank overflow seal removed I can see the L/R top sides of the tank and they show no signs of any old tape or glue was ever applied to hold a build sheet, just some dust. Is there any other place on the car or tank it may be located? I may have a different tank since the books all say look at the top of the gas tank on the 67s.Anything is possible. Thanks for your time. GRR.

[Tom B.]

Re: 67 build sheets

GR,

It's possible for another copy of the build sheet to be found elsewhere. Once in a great while they have been found behind dashes and under seats or carpets. Others may know of similar "unusual" places.

Also, check carefully again around the top "area" of your tank. The usual place it was glued is the top left side. I suppose there's always a chance that it came loose and may be "hung-up" (or a piece of it) left to be found somewhere. TBarr #24014

[Patrick T.]

Re: 67 build sheets

A couple months ago, I dropped the gas tank on my '67 L-79. In this case with the overflow seal removed, I could see the tank sticker attached to the left side of the tank with a flashlight, although I could not read it.Knowing that this is a precious piece of information, I went about to retrieve it, and did succeed to lift it off the tank. It turned out that it was in very good conditon. In your case, the gas tank straps probably need replacing anyway, and since it is undergoing a paint job, I would definitely drop the tank to see if is there. It may be somewhere on the top where you can't see, but it is worth the effort. My sticker was attached with a stripe of contact cement down the middle of the document. If it is not there the tank most likely is a replacement. A good clue is to look at the condition of the gas tank strap bolts. It they are frozen solid like mine were, there is a good chance that the tank has never been touched. Good Luck

[Jack H.]

Re: 67 build sheets

Dust/dirt build-up can be so deep that the novice looking for tank sticker the first time with flashlight working against rubber overflow cup can swear there's nothing there. Best bet is to drop the tank and inspect without visual obstruction.

[Gary S.]

Re: 67 build sheets

Roger,

I have removed many tank sheets in my 15 years in the hobby. I suggest you look real hard at the area where that tank sheet is supposed to be. I have seen many cases where the tank sheet was there, but did not look like it. Or, part of it is there, but can't be seen through the gas fill hole. The tank sheet paper turns dark color from age, heat, gas spills. Many times, there is only part of the sheet left...that is better than nothing. Take the tank down and inspect. If something is there, remove it with a window scraper razor blade. Take pictures of the tank first with the sheet in place and another picture of you taking the sheet off (with you in the picture). If you can't read it, place each piece on a wet sponge, wash it piece by piece with Simple Green and let it air dry. You can use a very soft tooth brush on the paper, but be careful. After it dries, you will be amazed at what you can see.

I recently bought a car and the tank sticker was in the possession of two owners back. I was told it was unreadable and in pieces from mice eating the tank sheet when it was left laying in a garage. I kept after the people to send it to me and finally, after 3 months, I got an envelop with many pieces of a tank sheet. It was discolored and nothing could be read. I washed it with Simple Green and a soft tooth brush. When it dried, using a magnifying glass, I could verify every option on my car either by the ECL codes or written words. It was a 400 car. I had several copies of 400 car tank sheets, so I made a copy of one and pasted my pieces on it in the proper positions. Even thought the L68 code could not be seen, I could see the "L" in the L68 and it was in the proper position. I will be glad to send you an email picture of my "pieced together" tank sheet. It took many hours, but was worth every minute.

In another situation, I had a full tank sheet that was very hard to read from gas discoloration. I sent it to one of those museum document restoration places in Kansas. He had it a year or better and finally told me he could not make it look any better. $75 for nothing.

So, look hard in the rear area for pieces, and even if you only have pieces, don't throw them away. Gary