"66 "Big Tank" question - NCRS Discussion Boards

"66 "Big Tank" question

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  • frank #23921

    "66 "Big Tank" question

    I recently bought a '66 couple from a friend of mine, who had owned it about 25 years. He always took good care of his cars and racing equipment including the 3 vettes that he had, but he did not seem overly knowledgeable about corvettes. He told me that this coupe had a "Big Tank." From my experience in the corvette world that terminology is very significant, but it did not seem very significant to him except at the filling station. He told me that the tank leaked when full so he just never filled it up. Since I purchased the car several months ago, he has since died, and I can no longer question him concerning the car. Since the car leaks and is seldom driven, I don't desire to fill the tank just to see if it will hold 36 gallons. It is in excellent driving (when only half full) and "wash & show" condition, and I don't have any immediate plans of replacing or removing the tank for repair. Aside from the obvious of filling or removing the tank, is there any other way of determining whether or not this car came equipped with a 36 gallon tank?

    A few other facts on the car. It is 327/300, AIR, auto, ps, pw. My friend purchased it from a GI from California, who was stationed on the MS coast.

    Thanks,
    frank
  • Joe L.
    Beyond Control Poster
    • February 1, 1988
    • 43193

    #2
    Re: "66 "Big Tank" question

    Frank------

    Very easy to tell the difference between an NO-3, 36 gallon tank mid year and a standard 20 gallon tank. The rear compartment of the 36 gallon tank cars will have a "raised floor" which is covered by a molded plastic cover. The raised area will be ABOVE the level of the "bulkhead" behind the seats. Also, the rear of the molded cover will have a very obvious "bulge" for clearance for the pipe which connects the filler opening to the tank.

    The fuel tanks used in these cars were manufactured of fiberglass re-inforced plastic. I would say that if you car has one, that could well be the source of the leakage. However, on the other hand, it would be very uncommon, but not impossible, for a car with the powertrain you describe to be equipped with the NO-3 36 gallon fuel tank.

    Replacement or reproduction FRP fuel tanks for 63-67 NO-3 cars are not available.
    In Appreciation of John Hinckley

    Comment

    • Wayne M.
      Expired
      • March 1, 1980
      • 6414

      #3
      Re: "66 "Big Tank" ident.

      Frank -- Best source for the signs of N03 option is the assembly instruction manual; there's roughly 10 pages dedicated to the many body modifications required.

      In adddition to Joe's pointers, 2 other prominent features of the 36.5 gal option are the (raised) fender caps on the inner rear wheel wells; and if you lift the gas lid, you should see no rubber boot, but rather 5 bolts around the gas cap.

      If it appears that the car is a bonafide big-tank, the likely source of leakage when more than half full is the fuel gauge sender on the driver's side of the tank (unfortunately, under the cover). The cork gasket leaks with age. There've been rumours of the tank itself leaking, but I've never experienced it.

      P.S. Is (was) this car Nassau blue with blue/white interior ? If not, I know of 2 other base engine (300hp) automatic trans tankers; one with air.

      Comment

      • Jim T.
        Expired
        • March 1, 1993
        • 5351

        #4
        Re: "66 "Big Tank" question

        I hope you have a big tank car. I read a article in a magazine about a person or it could of been some brothers that collect big tank Corvettes. They had more than a couple if if remember correctly. Maybe someone will know who I have mentioned and they could be contacted on how to repair you big tank car if you have one. Since you do drive it, a fire could develop.

        Comment

        • Bill Braun #33186

          #5
          Re: "66 "Big Tank" question

          Frank,

          If I recall correctly, the fella who owns/runs Long Island Corvette collects tankers and might be able to give you some specific help.

          Bill

          Comment

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