C1 - gas tank

[Al C.]

I'm trying to inspect my gas tank (It appears to be the original tank (but who knows) while it's uncovered and unconnected.

I find it difficult to simultaneously peer thru the 1-1/2 inch opening while trying to shine a flashlight thru too. I see an apparent baffle, just to the right of the feed hole (passenger side), and can't seem to see one on the left - but not sure.

1. Any suggestions for techniques, and which areas to try to look at, external signs of good/bad health?

2. Did the tank receive any paint or blackout on its' top surface?

3. There seem to be several different gasket materials for the tank sensor and feed tube. Which is preferred?

... Al '58 #378

[Ted L.]

Re: C1 - gas tank

Al,

I think the tank has two baffles in it, probably to reduce the sloshing back and forth. I got the Eastwood tank sealer kit and used it on mine (although it wasn't leaking). The directions calls for cleaning it up with muratic acid then rinsing with acetone before putting the sealer in - turned out real nice. I had to get a new sending unit (from CC) because the years had eaten holes in the float. It came with a new gasket but I don't recall any problems with it. The outside of the tank was galvanized, no paint but I understand that some may have had some since the tank cover was laying in place loosely at the time of painting. This was because wiring the sending unit had to be done later.

Ted #32350

[Mike Gleason]

Re: C1 - gas tank

Al: I just replaced the orig tank in my '61. It had no leaks, but the amount of crud that accumulates over 40+ yrs is unimaginable. Get the Quanta tank and replace the orig if you have any plans to drive the car. The amount of time you will have cleaning the old tank will far exceed the +/- $200 in the new Quanta.

Good Luck,

Mike Gleason
#16176

[Dale Pearman]

Re: C1 - gas tank

Throughly flush the tank using kerosene or mineral spirits. Add about ten gallons of gasolene and rest the tank for about eight hours. Recover the gas and look for damp circles on the bottom of the tank. These circles indicate pin holes. Circle them with a magic marker.

Using Radio Shack electronic soldier and a soldiering iron (NEVER A TORCH OR OPEN FLAME EVEN IF THE TANK IS EMPTY) patch the holes with soldier after cleaning the surface with 100 grit paper. Next use EASTWOOD'S gas tank sealer.
The result will cause your ORIGINAL (best bet) tank to last indefinately.

The original finish was raw galvanized usually with exterior color overspray on the top but not always. It depended on where the unattached tank cover was located during painting.

Dale.