patdrums

It's been awhile since I posted since my project has slowed to a crawl. I'm getting back on it and just found yesterday that after sitting for 4 years, the gas tank is rusted out. At this point there's just a small hole but I can assume that there are some more thin spots that could go at any time.

My wife now works for a GM dealer and their senior repair tech who specializes in this stuff has offered to fix it for me if I can bring it to him. I'm getting ready to drop the tank in the next day or so and am flirting with just replacing it instead of going thru the hassle of having it repaired. Never dropped the tank before and would like to get it out without tearing it up too bad in case I do repair it.

Any advice on the merits of both? If I do replace it, is there anywhere I can find a comprehensive list of all the parts I'd need? I don't see the point in keeping the same sending unit if I'm ripping it out anyway. I've Googled a bunch of stuff but am finding conflicting info on parts/procedures and thought someone here might be able to point me in the right direction so that I can collect everything I'll need to get it done without having to stop and order more parts, etc.

Thanks!

Timsride

I replaced mine as it was all rusty. The body was off which made it resonably easy. You need to keep the filler neck and the plastic thing that has a ball in it on driver side of tank. It allows fuel vapours out. the new tank should have all the gaskets for filler neck and O-ring for fuel pickup and level plunger. I would also replace rubber insulator as well. There is a plastic protector that the straps weave through that shouldnt need replacing.

Easy Mike

If your leak is small, have you considered sealing your stock tank?

Schaggy

I had no leaks... Then I had it dipped because I was finding a bit of rust in my gas filter... Then I had pinholes everywhere. I'm thinking that if you have one thin spot you probably have more.

I'd just replace it.

Alan 71

Hi pd,
If you decide on a new tank take a look at the Quanta Products web- site. They reproduce the tanks and have all the various parts you may want to replace at the same time.
Regards,
Alan

0Willcox Corvette

I usually replace any leaking tank. The repair cost does not justify the new price vs. the labor to take in and out if there is another problem down the road.

I have them in the forum sale section of the site and with the current sale that ends on Monday you'll get an additional discount.

http://willcoxcorvette.com/advanced_...rds=gas%20tank

Willcox

GUSTO14

Considering the cost of a new tank, even a correct Quanta... this is not a job you want to do again soon. My vote is to replace it. I just did the job on my '73 and it wasn't too difficult, but I did use a lift and had good access.

I also replaced the sending unit with a new one while I had it all out. There are two available, one is real cheap and looks it... the other is more expensive but looks much nicer and most importantly, looks like it will last.

Good luck... GUSTO

scottyp99

Think about this: Which do you here more often:

Wow, I sure am glad that I didn't pay to have that _______ replaced, I really saved a buncha money by just patching up the old one!

Or:

Damn! Damn! Damn! Double damn! I knew I shoulda got a new ________ when I had the chance, instead of trying to patch up the old one!


Scott

Paul L

The Willcox price is very reasonable. I would put a new one in. No regrets downstream. Get a new sender but have it tested before installation (its a simple ohm test). When I was doing work on my 1967 several years ago there was a bad batch around that were highly inaccurate. I recall the NCRS people commenting on them. I went Delco (yes they were still available but $$$s) and no regrets.

johnt365

It depends largely on how much cash you want to spend. The beauty of these cars is that you can buy anything for them new as long as you have a Benjamin tree in your back yard.

However, if you want to save money and repair it, you can do it yourself. When I bought my car the gas tank was out of the car laying under a tree. On closer inspection, there was a soupy mix of rusty water and fuel and even a dead frog inside. After a soap and water clean up I saw a few pin holes. I decided to use the POR-15 gas tank repair kit.

I put tape on the outside of the tank where the holes were to keep the sealant from leaking out. Then followed the directions washing and drying the tank thoroughly.

That was in 2004. Still no leaks and no gas smell in the shop. $50

just an option if you are handy.

76 sting

I have a 76, but in need of a 74 becasue I want the bottom feed with no bladder. Do y'all have a kit that will include most everything, tank, sender, vapor thing, straps, rubber pieces for noise etc.