GAS TANK Options? - Stock Fitment > Street Use.

[Brother Al]

Hello All,

I'm in the process of buying a '79 LeMans and jumping back into the A/G Body world with both feet after an 8 year hiatus. She has 60K on the clock, was rust-proofed when it was new, is very solid, but she has a bunch of age-related issues because it was rarely driven, then sat neglected in a barn for over 10 years. The major issues are a rusted out fuel system and wasted brake lines, plus it has the worthless POS TH200. The 301 is reported to run, but the ignition broke the day I went to look at it, a tumbler pushed out and its spring is blocking the keyway in it so the key won't fit into the ignition.

Anyway, the gas tank looks solid, but I noticed that its wet along the gas tank strap... a common issue. Having sat for so many years with X amount of gas and having an unknown amount of rot issues along the straps, its not worth my time to try to clean and weld up the damage.

I've seen that there are a number of fuel tanks available in the aftermarket, but I am leery about the quality, especially now that everything is seemingly made offshore. I don't mind spending a few bucks to get a quality tank, but I also don't want a custom fuel cell either.

As far as stock fitting fuel tanks go, what are people's experiences with their "Replacements", please include the Brand Name of the tank or supplier.
If anyone knows of a Poly Tank being made that fits these cars and has the proper fill tube and accepts the stock pick-up, please post it up.

 

[Brother Al]

No One has bought a gas tank for the A/G Body???

 

[clean8485]

Hi Brother Al. I've never seen any kind of poly tank for the A/G body cars, but that doesn't mean that something else might not swap, I just don't know what. I don't know if there's a tank from a B body car that might fit. I used to work as a mechanic at a GM dealer, and because of the climate, and the fact that the roads get salted in the wintertime, I used to see my share of older vehicles with fuel tanks rotted out and leaking. The O.E. tanks were the best quality and fit, but were usually ridiculously priced. I installed a number of new aftermarket tanks that were from a company called Spectra Premium. The quality and fit weren't quite as good as an O.E. tank, but they did the job. I would usually spray the new tank with a coat of rubberized undercoatong before installation. The tanks came with the galvanized coating on them, but I figured that the rubberized undercoating gave them a bit more protection. I remember that years ago (probably about 20 years ago now), there were places that would repair old tanks by coating them with some kind of special coating. Not exactly sure what it was, but I think it was some kind of 2 part epoxy. The coating was quite durable and it would completely seal the tank. I haven't seen this type of repair for many years now, as I think the chemicals used were not the safest, and were probably banned. I hope this helps. Let us know if you find a replacement poly tank that will fit these cars. That's something that I'd be interested in. Good luck with your search.

 

[seawolf18]

Its hard to find a guy to fix a gas tank these days. I had a 83 cutlass 4-door at one time, and the gas tank leaked in the same spot as yours. I couldn't find anyone locally that would weld, solder, or patch it. People are afraid that they will blow up. I have heard that the old school guys would fill them up with water, then weld\solder them. I ended up buying a spectra one from the local parts store. Tank fit pretty well for being an after market unit. I have also never seen a poly tank for our cars.

 

[tc1959]

When I re did the El Camino a few years ago I ordered a Dorman from Rock Auto. I wanted to have the 22 gallon one because we road trip a lot.
I had no issues I sourced the straps from a local wreaking yard and ordered a 22 gal. spectra fuel sender also from Rock Auto.

 

[maven]

Aftermarket OE replacement fuel tanks that Ive seen all seem to be respectable quality, as long as we are talking a galvanized or other type of plating as corrosion protection, I tend to avoid the raw and painted tanks.

 

[Poncho61]

Not that you're looking to repair yours it seems, but for others who might consider it.....

An above post mentioned welding/solder etc. I've used that trick you mentioned when I welded up some bike tanks. Filled them with water. It displaces all the gas vapors so the tank is safe to weld. Never tried soldering one with water. I'd think it may take awhile to heat up the steel when the tank is water filled, but I could be wrong there.

Also mentioned above was talk of a 2 part sealant. I've used a product to coat the inside of a bare, non galv steel tank. Its called Kreem. The bottles I bought were enough to do a set of 5 gallon fatbobs on a Harley, you'd probably need a larger amount for a g body tank. Tank has to be real clean before you apply the stuff or it ends up peeling off. First tank I did, I thought I had pretty clean. 6 months later I noticed some chit floating in the tank and blocking up the bottom pick up points. Big pieces of the stuff peeled right off the tank. 🙁 More time and a more thorough cleaning on another tank and it worked great. Not sure if it would be a good product to seal an old tank with leaks?????

http://www.jpcycles.com/product/720-469

This is where I bought mine. At least on my screen this morning, there were other pop up items listed on the right hand side from Northern. So you may look at those as well.


Spectre also makes radiators. I've used those with good results. Nice fit, well made, no problems. No experience with their gas tanks tho.

 

[Brother Al]

Anyone come across a Poly Tank for these cars??