78 fuel tank

[robrpb]

Hi,

I have a 78 Pace Car (L-82) that has sat in my garage since 1992. The fuel tank is rusted and needs to be replaced and I have tried to purchase one from the dealer and I was told the tank has been discontinued. I also called Ecklers and they told me the same story. Would you please tell me where I can find one. Also, re: the fuel system what else should I replace or do? The carburator has been rebuilt and I have replaced the fuel pump. If I connect a hose from the line-in on the fuel pump to a 5 gallon can of gas I can start the car. Also, any info regarding things I should do to get the car on the road again would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Rob

 

[matchframe]

Hi Rob,

Welcome to CAC!

I too am have trouble finding a fuel tank for my '78. If I can not find one, I may fiberglass it to repair until I can find a good replacement. My Vette sat up since 1991, and I started it at least once a month. I noticed that I had several seals go bad, such as the trans seals, power steering components, fuel lines and fuel tank rusting through and my brakes were non-existant. I decided to do a frame off retso so I can easily replace many of the components on the frame. I have decided to go a step further and get a 502-502 Big Block and Turbo 400 for it.

My Vette is just a L-48, so it's value will not be like your Pace Car.



Bill

 

[page62]

New tanks are not available and are not being produced by anyone. But places like Chicago Corvette have used ones with a "guaranteed good bladder."

 

[Neepawa]

Thats surprising, I thought that all C3's would have the same fuel tank. I replaced mine recently, it cost about $900 including fuel pump and installation.

It looks like they don't sell anything later than '77. I wonder if a '77 unit would fit.

You could also have it coated. Costs about $100 to have it done plus labor for R&R. Thats what my mechanic proposed, but I went with all new stuff.

Good luck with it.

 

[page62]

The shape of the fuel tank changed when the C3 changed to the fastback body style in '78. Not the same at all...

 

[cruisin-davey-g]

Hi,

I have a 78 Pace Car (L-82) that has sat in my garage since 1992. The fuel tank is rusted and needs to be replaced and I have tried to purchase one from the dealer and I was told the tank has been discontinued. I also called Ecklers and they told me the same story. Would you please tell me where I can find one. Also, re: the fuel system what else should I replace or do? The carburator has been rebuilt and I have replaced the fuel pump. If I connect a hose from the line-in on the fuel pump to a 5 gallon can of gas I can start the car. Also, any info regarding things I should do to get the car on the road again would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Rob

How bad is your tank?

Dave:

 

[jim coulter]

I agree with pag62. Check with Chicago Corvette, they should have a used one with guaranteed good bladder. Part# C3953. Price in my cataog is $375, but my catalog is about 2 years old.

 

[robrpb]

Though I haven't taken the tank out yet, I believe it is pretty bad. It has several leaks evidenced by fuel on the floor. Also, when I take the gas cap off it is all rusted. I feel at this point it is best to change it out. I guess I should at least replace the line from the tank to the fuel pump at the same time.

 

[cruisin-davey-g]

Though I haven't taken the tank out yet, I believe it is pretty bad. It has several leaks evidenced by fuel on the floor. Also, when I take the gas cap off it is all rusted. I feel at this point it is best to change it out. I guess I should at least replace the line from the tank to the fuel pump at the same time.

Sounds like it's in pretty bad shape. I was gonna suggest that you could probably recondition it, using the kit sold by POR-15 (www.por15.com). But, if it's that bad........oh, well! What can I say? Except "good luck". One other thing, you may want to coat the inside & outside of the tank (the one you get to replace the one you have) anyway, if you end up getting a used one. Check out the POR-15 site. That's some pretty good stuff. I just got done replacing my tank in my '72. I got a new one. You don't have to do the inside of a brand new tank, but I would suggest using this stuff to coat the outside of the tank (you can get POR-15 in chassis black & it looks "slick". Good luck again.


Dave: