DomL64

Hi Guys.
I'm having a problem removing the gas cap from my 64 convertible.
It's been sitting for the past 15 years. It turns, and is loose, but weather I push, pull, or whatever, it doesn't lift off. Any ideas besides totally breaking it ? Also, I've seen these commercials about cleaning the inside of the tank and re-sealing it. Since I filled the tank before I put the car away, any opinions on weather to clean and re-seal, or just get a new one ?
Thanks,
Dom

66jack

Replace the tank....you'd be $$$ ahead...


After the cap is turned to remove, you should just pull it UP to take it off...probably just corroded to the filler neck...

bluestreak63

You filled the tank before you let it sit for 15 years?

Yeah, drain the tank and don't even use the gas for a lawnmower...dispose of it. Get a new tank and be done with it.

You might also want to think about replacing the fuel pump, fuel filter and rebuilding the carb.

Bluestripe67

Keep turning to back and forth. Work it! I think I smell "project creep" on this one. Dennis

65GGvert

Looks like you've had a couple bad spells of whether up there. Is the cap a standard cap, or is it a locking cap? Some of the locking caps will spin but not lift off without the key.

DomL64

I've been turning, and turning, and turning... lol
Didn't think of prying it up though. Will try that tonight.

Thank you !

DomL64

@bluestreak63: I didn't think it was going to sit this long. I filled it to keep it from rusting. Thought I would have it out again the next suller but life got in the way. planned on getting rid of the old gas and figured I'd need a new pump and a rebuild on the carb. Also will need to freshen up the engine after this long.
Thank you !

DomL64

Bluestripe67: Project has just begun ! Got the car home after storing it for 15 years. It needs a total revamp ! Excited, and dreading it.

DomL64

@66jack: New tank was the better option. I wasn't sure about the other option but this tank is now almost 50 years old and probably rusted anyway.
Thank you !

ctjackster

My 2 cents: if the tank was in ok condition when filled with gas 15 years ago, that fact that it sat like that is definitely not itself a reason to replace the tank - it would be more concerning if the car had been used very sporadically for 15 years, with the tank not kept full (which pretty much describes how quite a few of these cars are being kept, without it being suggested that the tank should now be replaced). While most of the active posters on here are driving their cars with some regularity, the silent majority see very infrequent use.

The question of whether 50 year old fuel tanks should generally be replaced out of caution is different and I don't mean to disparage that thinking.

I complete agree that the fuel should be drained and replace with clean fresh fuel, and I'd even drain / run the line at the fuel pump until fresh fuel is present.

DomL64

I googled "gas tank sealer" and a bunch of products came up. I'm now thinking that after I drain it, I will have a good look inside to see how bad it really is before running out and buying a new one. I'm sure i will have to replace the lines, or at least clean them out, and probably the pump. That will be whenever I finally get to it. lol
Thanks !

66jack

When you get into removing things...the sending unit needs to be checked out reeeeeealll good....or just buy a new one...

I love spending other peoples $$$$$......

DomL64

Jack,
You can't spend money I don't have ! lol
I have to add that to my list of things to check/repair/buy. And so the list goes !
Thanks. However, I am starting to dred taking this apart more and more. lol
It's going from a fun project to a monster. Especially if i want to go mostly original.
Dom

DomL64

Update on the gas tamk. Wth a little more prying, I got the cap off. Looks like the tank is a total loss. Rust all over, even in the filled part. Crap ! lol

5thvet

Many of us here have replaced our tanks so come back here for a little guidance when ready to do it. Not hard at all.

66jack

Before you put in the new tank....look at the OLD tank where the straps go...you will need to bend the 'lip' of the NEW tank so the straps will bolt up.....Also, pre-fit the tank before installing the sending unit.....

ctjackster

and get new straps + anti-squeak pads

Godholio

I reused my straps...they were already bent perfectly and were in surprisingly good shape. Replaced the pads, though.

If anyone wants the straps that came with the Quanta tank, PM me and we'll work something out.

5thvet

I did too. Just cleaned them up and painted them like new. It's hard to get the perfectly correct bends in the new ones resulting in the bolts being to short to connect.

DomL64

5thvet: One of the many things that I am sure will need replacing as I start fixing things after more than 15 years.

66jack: Thank you ! I will prefit the new one. Of course I assumed the new one would just be exactly what the old one was. And you know what they say about assuming. lol

ctjacker & godholio: I will definately get new pads and see if I need new straps.

Thank you guys !
This forum is a wonderful place because of you all !