54 Gas Tank

[John S.]

I recently discovered my 54 gas tank is not original but a later 56 tank. My question is why would this year tank have a 3/8" tube protruding from the center of the sending unit, There is also a 1/4" tube affixed to the top of the tank. I see in the NCRS restorers guide the correct tank has no openings in the top with the exception of the sending unit opening. Thanks for any input you can provide!

[Rod K.]

Re: 54 Gas Tank

Mid to late 1956 fuel lines changed from 5/16'' OD to 3/8" OD and about 1957 VIN 1900 added a vent line to the top of the tank near the right (pass) end. It was a short tube bent at 90* with the free leg lying parallel to the top of the tank. Vent hose ran across the top of the tank and exited in the filler recess of the body. Don't know the size of that vent but 1/4" would probably be about right. So, I'd guess your tank is later than '56 if it has the factory vent.

Hope this helps.

[John S.]

Re: 54 Gas Tank

Thanks for the input Rod. I think you are exactly right about this being a 56/57 tank. I started looking at past old receipts provided by the previous owner, who has since passed away, and sure enough the original 54 tank was replaced in 1968 with the newer design. He apparently then had a fuel line opening cut into the bottom of the tank as original, but did not plug the fuel line opening in the sending unit. Instead he used it as a vent and ran a hose from it to a point under the body. So the first time I filled the tank it overflowed and kept right on siphoning. Not a pleasant ride!
I have plugged the 3/8" opening but wonder if I should also plug the 1/4" opening as the original 54 tank had no vents but relied on the vented gas cap?

[Chris S.]

Re: 54 Gas Tank

The 53-55 tank is currently not being repro'd
we use 57 tanks
Fit perfect with no issues.
If you are using a vented gas cap - then I would plug all openings.......

[John S.]

Re: 54 Gas Tank

Thanks again Chris. You have helped me on several occasions.