Gas Tank replacement

[Dwayne Lord]

Hello everyone,

I am researching replacing my gas tank on my '63 vert and would like to ask a few questions...

A) Can the tank be dropped out from under the car? If so, how much clearence will be needed under the car? Is this difficult?

B) Besides the tank, what other parts are usually be needed? (straps, gaskets, etc..)

C) What replacemnt tanks do you recomend? I noticed in my search of this forum, that there are some problems with certain tanks having lips that need to be bent in order for the straps to reach around. Did bending the lip cause any leaks or problems?

D) I don't know how bad my tank really is yet. I just see a lot of rust and yuk down in the tank. Since my engine is out after a nice rebuild, I thought I would try and make sure she gets clean fuel. Should I consider cleaning the old tank, or is it cheaper to get a new one? This car is a driver, not for show.

Thanks to anyone who takes the time to give a beginner some advice,
Dwayne Lord

[Joe L.]

Re: Gas Tank replacement

Dwayne-----

If you have serious rust in the tank, I'd replace it. However, if you wish, you can try taking it to a shop that specializes in repair of fuel tanks. Many radiator shops provide this service. They'll be able to tell you if it's worth repair.

Aside from removing the body from the frame, the only way to remove the tank is to remove it from below. This is how virtually everyone does it. It's really quite easy, but you need to first remove the spare tire assembly and the exhaust system. After doing that, it's very easy to remove the tank.

Other parts you will need are a filler neck-to-tank gasket, fuel sender/pickup rubber gasket, fuel hose from tank to fuel line, special screws with integral rubber seal for fuel neck attachment (9 required of GM #3767804))and new anti-squak pads for the bottom of the tank where it sits on the support. New straps are usually not required unless the old ones are damaged or seriously corroded.

I would recommend a new GM tank or a Quanta Products tank. The GM tank is GM #3967746. This tank will not be an exact duplicate of the original, but it will SERVICE your application perfectly. The Quanta tank will be a virtually exact reproduction.

[Peter Ansted - #32760]

Re: Gas Tank replacement

Dwayne - I replaced my gas tank last year on my '63. It took me about 2 days, being very careful during the task. I did have to take off the rear valence in order to drop the mufflers low enough for tank removal. A replacement tank is less than 200.00 new. Also, now is a good time to replace the radio antenna cable and check the ground strap and antenna support. The fuel sending unit inside the tank needs to be inspected. Usually the sock is trashed and the unit itself may not be operable. I only replaced the sock on mine - the original unit still works.