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You might not need a new tank. The balck crusty stuff could be an asphalt-based undercoating that someone spray on it at one time. Scrap it off and see what's underneath - might just be clear metal !
Are you going to install a new pickup tube/sender? Rock Auto has a GM Restoration Parts unit and a Spectra unit available. Both about the same price. Your thoughts?
Are you going to install a new pickup tube/sender? Rock Auto has a GM Restoration Parts unit and a Spectra unit available. Both about the same price. Your thoughts?
No, I installed a new fuel sender unit last year. Think it's a good idea to get a new sock, though, if you get a new tank.
Hey 59.. Please take a bunch of pics of the process including any tips you develop. I haven't even put the roof down on my car yet to see what's involved with a new tank installation. I just got mine running yesterday from a two gallon gas can.
Mike
Hey 59.. Please take a bunch of pics of the process including any tips you develop. I haven't even put the roof down on my car yet to see what's involved with a new tank installation. I just got mine running yesterday from a two gallon gas can.
Mike
Will start tomorrow, supposed to be 68 deg. I intend to document & take pics, but be aware my situation will be a little different as you will see.
From edge of flange to edge of flange, it measures 43 3/4" x 16 1/2" x 9 3/4". The specified size on the Rockauto website states 43 5/8" x 16 1/4" x 10 1/8". All in all, pretty close, depends on where you're measuring to.
I removed the old tank. I had to grab the side flange with vise grips and pull up and back to get it out. You will note that the tank is not being held in with the typical steel straps. Bubba used web belt tie downs with eyebolts on the rear. I was going to go back stock but didn't think this a bad idea. The webbing is strong, doesn't chafe, doesn't rust and is quiet. So I will reuse them.
After rinsing the tank out with gasoline, I tried the install. The existing tarpaper wasn't in bad shape so I reused it. The rear corner flanges were pre-bent but not bent enough to clear so I bent one of them a little more and it slid in. I can't tell if it's in all the way but it seems so. Tomorrow I'll see if the cover will go on. All I lack is installing the sender, hooking up the wires and vent tubing, and installing the filler neck.
Looks like some of the corners on the tank are down and some up. I would suggest you bend all the corners down. In addition, you can trim them with a tin snips anywhere outside the weld line to get rid of any sharp edges that may still be in your way. If you do that, stay at least 1/2 inch away from the seam, that's a must. Also, as others have said. replace that copper line with a proper double flared steel line. When I installed mine, I used a quanta tank (w/AOL logo which I know is there and no one else ever will) and it dropped in first time. Cover was snug but did not touch the tank. Pilot Dan
I didn't have as much trouble as I expected. All of the corners are bent down from the factory and all except one cleared. Wasn't necessary to trim them but it is a good idea. I would recommend wearing gloves when handling the tank. Those flanges can cut you to ribbons and the coating on the tank makes it slippery.
Biggest problem I had was the fuel inlet. Evidently it sets at a slight rearward angle. Didn't notice that before.
The new sending unit gasket and screws supplied worked better than what I used before. I started and ran it long enough to check for leaks and didn't find any. Poured in 5 gallons, gauge reads 1/4 tank which seems about right.
BTW, I was blowing out the sending unit tube and sock and I set it down on some white paper. It was then that I noticed fine specks of rust that was in the sending unit "container", some of them kinda large. So there was rust floating around in the gas and I just couldn't see it. Glad I replaced the tank.
I also blew out the lines, replaced the in-line filter b/t the tank and fuel pump and the filter at the carb. I'm going for a test run maybe tomorrow. During or after the holidays I'm rebuilding the carb. That should take care of any fuel problems.
Here are the finished pics for now. I prefitted the cover. It's tight, not much clearance if any, but didn't see any interference. I'm keeping the cover off for a while waiting on a stainless steel line to replace the copper.
So far, I'm happy with the fit!
I don't know that what I've done will resolve my engine dying problem. Only way I know is to test it. This week a Vette buddy will follow me around in my truck with a tow strap. I looked under my '59 and didn't see a good place to attach one.
Does anyone have a good recommendation of where to attach a tow strap on the front?
11-27-2014, 08:19 AM
I believe it also conducts heat better than steel to promote vapor lock
Pilot Dan
