63 Dealer vs Factory installed Big Tank

[Perry M.]

Re: 63 Dealer vs Factory installed Big Tank

OK, I'll chirp in here. I bought my car back in 1976. It had 39,000 miles on it. I am the 2nd owner of this white SWC with fuel injection. I have stated on this forum several times in the past that it has a dealer installed 36.5 gal. tank. Alan Green Chevrolet in Burien Wa. contracted with Ollies Corvette Specialties in the Freemont district under the supervision of Larry Webb, to install a big tank in this car for a client who ordered the big tank but when it arrived it had the standard tank. Ollies ordered the tank and parts from Chevrolet and installed it. It has the tank, filler pipe with hoses and clamps, wiring harness, 90* elbow and tee fittings, side rails, pie plate and tank cover. They did not remove the carpeting and thus did not install the side rails or cover. The tank and filler neck were covered with period correct carpet. The original fuel line was connected to a copper fuel line with a piece of rubber hose then to each well of the big tank. When I bought the car, I knew nothing about Big Tanks but soon learned about them very quickly when everybody commented about it. I was able to get the missing pieces from the original owner who took possession of them from Ollies. I installed them using the AIM and help from some from NCRS members. The correct replacement fuel line was purchased from LIC. I love my car and would not change a single part of it, factory correct or not. So Ron, I am writing this only to say that we both have awesome cars, so enjoy it whether its factory correct or not.

[Ron R.]

Re: 63 Dealer vs Factory installed Big Tank

Perry, I would love to see a few pictures you may have of the tank, bulkhead or anymore interesting pictures related to the tank, similar to the ones I posted.

Thanks again for your response and would love someday to see your car and have a great day.

[Ron R.]

Re: 63 Dealer vs Factory installed Big Tank

just got back from the Indy corvette show on Saturday, talked to Jay who owns a 65 tanker , he said based on the pictures of the brackets which holds on the fuel line by the the differial it is diff entry factoey installed. And likewise by Marty from Missouri, and David Burroughs was in agreement with both of them., I would still to see your pictures of the bulkhead if you please.

thanks P erry

[Wayne M.]

Re: 63 Dealer vs Factory installed Big Tank

just got back from the Indy corvette show on Saturday, talked to Jay who owns a 65 tanker , he said based on the pictures of the brackets which holds on the fuel line by the the differial it is diff entry factoey installed. And likewise by Marty from Missouri, and David Burroughs was in agreement with both of them., I would still to see your pictures of the bulkhead if you please.

Ron -- I think the Jay you're referring to is Jay Stahl. I saw the car when it was owned by a Kip Andersen (sp ?) of Olathe KS, in the '80s. Took several pictures with tank cover removed. Incredible documentation: I have a photocopy of window sticker, dealer letters and photos of a Chevrolet survey form sent to select (?) new purchasers. [the original buyer, a US navy pilot, didn't think too much of the car]. He complained about lack of rear compartment blower as was installed in non-tanker '64 & 5's, so the dealer ordered most of the components to add this feature (but never installed).

Betcha' never saw this part before. It's the block-off plate on '64 & '65 tankers, due to rear blower delete.


2nd pic is of one of these plates installed in my '65 tanker. Crude is not the word. Notice that the interior black paint application never reached this cranny. (Please ignore the remnants of glue on the wheelhouse filler panel, as carpet was installed by a previous owner in the '70s).



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