54 gas tank source

[Guy M.]

Looks like I need to replace my tank, Are there any recommendations for a good new tank? Will a 57 tank work? Also, where does the felt reside in the compartment? Are the large round holes to remain open? Lots of questions I know. Thanks again folks. I dont trust the tank that I have.

[Steven B.]

Re: 54 gas tank source

Guy, IIRC there are differences in mid '57 tank and later tanks and earlier tanks--non-vented earlier. If you have a problem fitting it will likely be with the straps and bent corners. Quanta, the company that reproduces the tanks, can give you the differences/measurements. They do not list pre-'56 tanks. The felt goes on top of the fiberglass cover preventing soft top window from scratching when in the lowered position. The '54 cloth is tan, not black. The holes were covered with round black paper type material. Reproductions of the tan cloth and paper type covers are still available.

[Guy M.]

Re: 54 gas tank source

Thanks for the quick reply Steve. Another question, is there a series of spot welds on the top of the tank at the baffle location, say, a dozen or more on both sides. Is that a factory thing? The felt Im referring to is about 1/2 inch thick, about 6 inches wide and 18 inches long or better and I think it goes under the tank as a cousion. I dont recall reading anything about felt and what covers up the large round holes in the tank compartment. Paper covers huh? Seems light weight.

[Steven B.]

Re: 54 gas tank source

Guy, I am no '54 expert, that said baffles were not installed until model year 1957 about VIN 1421 IIRC so the '54 - early '57 tank would have no baffle welds . I am not certain about felt under the tank. I haven't seen it as you described. Steve

[John S.]

Re: 54 gas tank source

Guy, I am no '54 expert, that said baffles were not installed until model year 1957 about VIN 1421 IIRC so the '54 - early '57 tank would have no baffle welds . I am not certain about felt under the tank. I haven't seen it as you described. Steve

55s come with baffles and have the spot welds as Guy describes. i see no reason 54s would not be the same.

[Steven B.]

Re: 54 gas tank source

John, right. No Venting, but had baffles, right?

[John S.]

Re: 54 gas tank source

John, right. No Venting, but had baffles, right?

send me your email address and i will send you picture of tank.

[John L.]

Re: 54 gas tank source

Guy,
I believe I know of the felt pads you are referring to. They are about 5"wide and 18" long made of what appears to be roofing felt paper...mine were on the bottom of the tank and indeed appear to provide some cushion between the tank and the large oval holes in the fiberglass bellypan.
John Lanning

[Guy M.]

Re: 54 gas tank source

Thanks guys, John, did you felt cover the holes? Im glad to hear all those welds are supposed to be there. I have a few spot weld repairs on the bottom. Ill try to send a pic for everyones benifit. Maybe this tank is saveable. gmcmann@jeffco.us

[Steven B.]

Re: 54 gas tank source

Guy, John is correct! I just got off the phone with the guy with the '54 and he recalls his tank was replaced about 20 years ago by the previous owner. He thinks he got the tank from Crane's. Sorry for the misinformation.

Steve

[John H.]

Re: 54 gas tank source

Thanks guys, John, did you felt cover the holes? Im glad to hear all those welds are supposed to be there. I have a few spot weld repairs on the bottom. Ill try to send a pic for everyones benifit. Maybe this tank is saveable. gmcmann@jeffco.us

Guy -

Leave the large holes in the underbody below the fuel tank alone - they're there to ventilate the tank compartment; fully-enclosed spaces inside the car full of gasoline vapors aren't a good idea.

[Guy M.]

Re: 54 gas tank source

Thanks John, thats what I wanted to confirm, tried googleing Cranes but didnt see what I was looking for. Thanks again everyone for your time and advice!!

[Chris S.]

Re: 54 gas tank source

Use a 56 57 tank non vented.
Brett and I have replaced numerous tanks
You will have to bend the seams to match your orig 54 tank.
Easy to do....
I order from C Central
Anti rattle strips go in the bottom

[Guy M.]

Re: 54 gas tank source

Thanks so much Chris, thats what Ill do, no need to take a chance on this one.

[Guy M.]

Re: 54 gas tank source

Chris, would it be better to get the tank with baffels and a vent or does it not make much of a difference, same price. Thanks again