Repairing N03 Fuel Tank

[Ron Still]

I have a 36-1/2 gal tank in need of some repair work. The interior of the tank has sections of the fiberglass chipping away. At first I thought it was just old varnish deposits from old gas sitting in the tank during storage, but it looks like the inner surface of the tank has deteriorated. Does anyone know how/who or where I can get this repaired? Is there some kind of process where the inside can be relined somehow? Would sure appreciate any help I can get on this problem. Thanks.

Ron

[David Van Weele]

Re: Repairing N03 Fuel Tank

I know that there is a product call Pro Seal used in sealing aircraft fuel tanks that I have used. It works well but it sure is a mess to clean up. If you can not find it locally e-mail me for a supplier. Dave

[Wayne M.]

[Joe L.]

Re: Repairing N03 Fuel Tank

Wayne------

Actually, Ron's problem doesn't surprise me, at all. Fiberglass is fairly resistant to aromatic organic compounds like gasoline, but after long exposure I would expect the gasoline to take it's toll. I've never seen any sort of plastic material that would withstand very long-term exposure to this type of chemical compound. Even linear polyethylene, which is just about the most resistant plastic to organic chemicals, 15 or 20 years is about the limit. So, in the case of these NO3 fuel tanks, the newest of which is now 33 years old, I'm surprised that a lot more problems have not developed. And, I'll bet that when GM made these they weren't figuring on them being around 33+ years later.

[Ron Still]

Re: Repairing N03 Fuel Tank

Thank you David, Wayne & Joe for responding to my question. In response to your questions Wayne, no, I never used any kind of exotic additive in the fuel that may have contributed to this condition. I just got back in from the garage looking at the tank (from what ya can see thru the sending unit opening and the fill neck--boy I wish I had a boroscope!). I can see the fiberglass mat but it appears like there is some kind of coating but only in certain sections-mainly on the top half of the tank. It's this coating that is peeling away. It looks like paint chipping off an old weathered house. I used an air lance to blow off most of the loose stuff. I don't think this is from fuel deposits since most of it is on the top side of the tank. I don't have the the article about the conversion to 42 1/2 gal. My Restorer magazines begin with Spring of 1992 (It figures!) Would it be possible to fax me the article? I think I'm going to try and break loose the rest of the chipping by putting a few pounds of steel burnishing shapes in the tank and shaking it around. I would really hate to have to cut open the tank to clean. The rest of the tank appears in good condition considering it's age and lack of TLC. My car pretty much sat for 15 years prior to the start of my restoration (why the kid's grew up) and I never drained the fuel like I should have. Let me know if you can fax the article. Thanks again everyone who responded.

Ron