leaking gas tank question

[norway]

My 1972 is leaking gas from the front bottom of the gas tank.
My tank looks nice but some small rusti plases.
It is some pin holes that makes the gas dripp on to the mufflers.

Any ides on how to fix this? Is it possibil to fix this or do i need a new tank?
Were to buy a new tank?

Thanks for any help.
morten (from norway)

 

[Erik S. Klein]

I had the same problem and had to replace the tank. I'm sure there's a way to patch it from the outside, but it just didn't seem like a good idea considering the possible ramifications. . .

New tanks, necks, pickups, etc. are available from most of the catalog houses like Eklers, Mid America and the like.

If your tank is original then be sure to get the tank sticker from the old one before it is tossed. . .

Best of luck!

 

[TWINRAY]

For a long term repair, don't screw around -get a new tank. And it's really not too difficult to do yourself. Corvette Central or Zip has them at reasonable prices. Check the piece coming out of the tank that's attached to the fuel line hose. It may be rusted and you might want to include that in your repair. For a quick repair of one hole, there is an epoxy mix. I did that to a '75 Blazer that I had and while it did hold, I wouldn't want it as a permanent fix. I eventially sold the Blazer. What happens is that water in the tank causes it to rust from the inside and a bunch of pin holes eventially happen. Thats what happened in my '67 and I replaced the tank. I was thinking to just do a new tank in the '69 before I had a problem. It will also give me a chance to get the tank sticker off.

 

[Red69]

Absolutely, replace the tank and I speak from experience. I repaired my tank by removing it, tumbling it clean and sealing, but it eventually began to leak again. All money, effort and time wasted. Reproduction gas tanks are now available at much less cost than the OEM replacements. Do the job once and move on. IMO

 

[George Black]

I agree; replace the tank now. For about $200.00 you can get a new reproduction gas tank. It is not that difficult of a job to install.

 

[Eden72Vet]

My advice when changing the tank is to seal the hole on the driver side of the reproduction tank. My car came with a reproduction tank when I bought it, and I ended up dropping the tank to seal the hole, because gas was leaking out when I made turns. My tank wasn't too hard to take out and put back in, but there are some things that can make it frustrating, such as putting it back in and getting those metal straps back in place.

Also, if you want to or need to replace your antenna, doing it while the tank is out, is the best time.

 

[Red69]

Is the hole you are referring the vent nipple on on top of the gas line side of the tank? You must be pulling some hard turns to push gas out that vent. GM put that vent there for a reason, I'd be more inclined to extend it with a piece of rubber fuel line. If the nipple is the hole you are referring, you should be able to see it from under the car and not necessary to remove the tank.

 

[norway]

thanks

hello

thanks for all the help.
i have no droped the tank and it dosent look that bad.
but i have decided to buy a new one.
anyone ever bought a tank from this guys?
http://www.quantaproducts.com/store/home.asp
thanks again
morten

 

[MidShark]

Yes- Quanta is about the best out there for a tank. That is what you would get if you ordered one from any of the Corvette vendors. I just bought one (it was a Quanta) for my '65 from Zip, and had a coupon for free shipping. Check around!


Dick


Well, just looked at your location. They probably wouldn't ship one free to Norway!

 

[norway]

hello
the new tank is no in my garage.
how do i take of the thing on the bottom of the tank?. i am thinking of the round thing where the gas comes out?

any good ideas on changing the tank?
thanks a lot
this site is great.
thanks again
morten

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Morten,

The retaining ring is removed by bending up the locking tabs and rotating the ring counterclockwise. Light taps with a large blade screwdriver and hammer should rotate it.

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Morten,

To lower the tank. Make sure it's empty first.
Remove the fuel lines from the fittings.
Remove the nuts from the bolts the are on the straps in the rear of the tank.
Put a jack or blocks under the tank to hold up the weight of the tank.
Take 2 large phillips head screwdrivers and drive out the bolts on the straps so that the screwdriver replaces the bolts.
When you are ready to drop the tank, pull out the screwdrivers. The tank will drop down.

Loosen the tension bolts on the straps before you put the new tank on. Then jack up the new tank, install the rear bolts back into the straps , then tighten the tensioners back up.
Try not to bend the straps, they will fit easier that way.