Fuel Tank R&R

[Dove]

Well it looks like I need to replace my gas tank, while changing my fuel filter I found some rust residue on the inlet line side of the filter, I ran a coat hanger with a Q-tip on it down into the gas tank it pick up a little brown residue. I have no leaks would you recommend a overhaul of the original tank or remove and replace with new? I was looking at the gas tank listed on eBay made in Canada has anyone used or know of the quality of this tank seems to be pretty good and shipping is free. It seems I need to have the car up at least 2 feet from ground to sway bar for tank removal clearance, is the sway bar the only suspension part needed to remove for proper tank removal clearance? Any advice on tank removal would be great thanks.

1962 Spyder Coupe

[Jerry Whitt]

I have done several tanks from the late models and had good luck by taking the tank to a local radiator shop. They cleaned the tanks in a chemical bath and then coated the inside with a plastic sealer.

If you choose this method, make sure the plastic sealer is safe with current gas additives.

[bbodie52]

This subject is covered extensively on the following Corvair Forum link...

DIY - Explanations and Demonstrations ‹ Fuel Tank Removal & Installation

Fuel Tank Removal & Installation

viewtopic.php?f=225&t=5779

There have been some stories of inside tank coatings that begin to separate over time. You should compare the cost of a new tank vs. the cost if reconditioning an old tank and then decide which way you want to go.

For your entertainment...

Filled the tank full of nuts and bolts,let it run for a couple hours, put a gal of purple clean in the tank,ran it another half hour,rinsed with water and stuck a blow dryer in the hole to dry,,worked perfect and no more rust!

[vairygood]

Check Clarks sale items!! I believe they are on sale.
Buater

[Dove]

Thanks for all the info gents.

[County98]

Changing the tank was one of the first things I did on my project, you can see some of it in my signature thread. I had the front tires up on ramps and had enough room to make it work. Make sure you chock the rear tires well before going crazy high on the front.

Make sure you have everything you will want before you tear into it, you won't want to do it twice. I would recommend new float and sensor, new rubber attaching pieces for the fuel filler and vent line, and do new front steel brake lines while you have it out. I thought about taking the tank down to a radiator shop and it's a good option, but I opted for new and had it delivered to the house from Clarks along with all the little tidbits. Good luck!

[ToplessSpyder]

I am going to put a new tank in my 63Spyder, I'm ordering the kit from Clarks'. I did the same when I had my 65 500 sedan, to me it made good sense and my aggravation costs more than a tank kit.

[spyderman64]

Also, carefully inspect the brake line that goes behind the tank while you have it out. You don't want to do this job twice!

[Nickshu]

If you buy a new tank make sure you clean it inside w/ gasoline or some type of non-residue solvent before installing. They are coated w/ a paraffin like sealer to prevent rust while sitting in the warehouse....if you don't remove it you'll have brown smoke out your exhaust for the first tank, and may foul up your fuel filter. Don't ask me how I know....

Remember the factory installed the fuel tank BEFORE the front suspension, so it's a bit fiddly to get it in and out w/ the suspension in place.