Gas tank?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 262
Likes: 1
From: New South Wales
Gas tank?
Hi,
I have inspected the inside of my gas tank in my rebuild process on my 79 C3 and it appears to have a thick plastic liner in it. Is this how they were from the factory or would this be an aftermarket tank? On closer inspection it appears that there are a couple of small cracks in the liner in the bottom corners. The car has been sitting for a long time without any fuel so would this most likely be the cause of the cracks and do you think I am up for a new tank?
Thanks, Colin
I have inspected the inside of my gas tank in my rebuild process on my 79 C3 and it appears to have a thick plastic liner in it. Is this how they were from the factory or would this be an aftermarket tank? On closer inspection it appears that there are a couple of small cracks in the liner in the bottom corners. The car has been sitting for a long time without any fuel so would this most likely be the cause of the cracks and do you think I am up for a new tank?
Thanks, Colin
Racer
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 336
Likes: 14
From: Upstate New York
I just replaced the tank on my 1979 C3 due to rot. I found a tank on Craigslist for $100 about 30 miles from my house. It also has the rubber "Liner" ...I believe they are known as a bladder style tank. I don't know if the small fractures you noted will hurt anything. I threw the hose of my shop-vac into it before installation just to remove any debris. It's been in the car for a month and has worked great.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
The later model C3s had a plastic liner in them from the factory. These liners eventually crack and can allow fuel between the liner and the steel tank. If the steel tank is in poor shape such as rusted pinholes, the tank may leak fuel onto the ground. It's hard to find a used one without cracks in the liner. The new tanks do not come with a liner in them.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
These "liners" were installed under federal mandate. Their purpose was to keep fuel from spilling when a rear end or other type accident occurs. I don't believe new aftermarket tanks come with liners.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 262
Likes: 1
From: New South Wales
Thanks Street Rat. You have answered my question perfectly. Outer tank looks to be in OK condition however there is some evidence of rust before I repainted it. Ideally I should replace it but as I am in Australia and freight on the tank is going to cost a bomb! I might have to fill it up and see how it goes while I still have the body off. Worst case is it leaks and then I have to change it. Better now than after I have put the body back on.
Cheers, Colin
Cheers, Colin
The later model C3s had a plastic liner in them from the factory. These liners eventually crack and can allow fuel between the liner and the steel tank. If the steel tank is in poor shape such as rusted pinholes, the tank may leak fuel onto the ground. It's hard to find a used one without cracks in the liner. The new tanks do not come with a liner in them.
