78 Gas Tank Help

[bfoster301]

Okay...I'm almost finished with the engine replacement in my 78 Silver Anniversary and the fuel delivery system is next on the list. The exterior of my fuel tank has quite a bit of surface rust that I can easily take care of, but my concern is that when we drained the gas, it had a somewhat syrupy (is that a real word?) consistency to it and was discolored. I cannot find a replacement tank anywhere and once company in CA has said that if I ship out the tank, they'll restore it and install a new bladder. Unfortunately, they've put an $1,100 - $1,200 price tag on the bladder. Can anyone recommend someone to restore the tank, or is it even necessary? Is this a possible DIY project? Thanks for your feedback

 

[bossvette]

try these guys they were able to get a new tank for my 76 for about $200 it was for an earlier model but fit fine.
http://www.michigancorvette.com/

 

[bfoster301]

Thanks Boss, I'll give them a call today.

 

[Dave L.]

I don't know of anyone who reproduces the 78-82 tanks. Used ones are available in the $350-400 range. Contact these guys www.contemporarycorvette.com
If in fact you do find a new tank let me know where.

 

[srs244]

the problem is that the 78 and later tanks all started using a bladder in them and that apparently has put reproducing them into a price catagory making it a tough sell. as previously stated, decent used tanks can fetch upwards of $500.00 for a really good one. unfortunately they are not really interchangable with any other non bladder models without some modification.

the fuel condition was caused by sitting for an extended time. after a bit, the fuell breaks down and forms a shellac type liquid which you experienced. that is why whenever you have anything with a fuel tank that is used infrequently (gasoline starts to break down after about 60 days), you should always add fuel stabilizer to the tank. if you store you car for eht winter, it's not a bad idea to add it even if you run the car from time to time. chances are you will not empty the tank over the course of the winter months and the fuel will start to break down.

no different for your lawn mower or other gas lawn equipment, lol!!

 

[bfoster301]

I spoke with Michigan Corvette Recyclers and they have one in stock and I was quoted $400 for the tank without the sending unit, and another $50(+/-) for shipping from MI to Maryland. I've also talked with the team at Contemporary Corvettes in Bristol, PA and they have one (again w/o the sending unit) for $350 (condition of the bladder unknown). Bristol is about a 1 1/2 hr ride from the house, so the Mrs and I may take a day trip and check it out.

Thanks to everyone who's replied...again the forum has been very useful.

 

[GaryS]

How about Quanta Products replacement tank without the bladder? A friend of mine did this when his fuel tank bladder went bad.

Gary