should I re-use my gas tank or go new?

[Michael L.]

Guys,

Wanted to see if there are any opinions on whether I should re-use my original gas tank or not on the 69 coupe I'm restoring. It is in good shape without any evidence of rust. I could just have it tanked and then prime and paint it, right? The other option is to just buy a new one. It's not a 427 or anything but this is a very original SB car. Everything else on this car is original and being rebuilt/restored. I'm just not sure about the quality of the repop gas tanks available. Appreciate your thoughts.

Mike

[Gary B.]

Re: should I re-use my gas tank or go new?

Mike,

Original GM tanks were not primed and painted. So primed/painted would be cause for deducts. The tanks were Ni-terne plated steel. The repro tanks from Quanta have an excellent reputation. Made in Canada, I believe. Many restored cars have Quanta tanks and they judge well.

Gary

[Edward B.]

Re: should I re-use my gas tank or go new?

It is in good shape without any evidence of rust.

Why do anything?

[Michael W.]

Re: should I re-use my gas tank or go new?

. Made in Canada, I believe.

Yup, right down the street from where I used to work. I got ahold of the prototype '73 tank many years ago when I was restoring mine. Still looks and function like new but is discernible from an original.

If the Op's tank is truly rust free, I'd reuse it as-is.

[Gene M.]

Re: should I re-use my gas tank or go new?

Using a used tank is like using used piston rings or engine bearings.

[Edward J.]

Re: should I re-use my gas tank or go new?

Mike, Its a lot of work to remove the tank if a leak does occur I think that a new tank is easier now than later. Its heading toward 50 years. the inside maybe okay but the outside rusts always in a lower location.

[Bob W.]

Re: should I re-use my gas tank or go new?

Mike Gas tank do not cost that much. And old always seem to leak when there full. Not fun.

[Jim T.]

Re: should I re-use my gas tank or go new?

My 1968 tank is very good excellent condition when I shine a light into the tank to inspect it, would never even consider having it tanked and setting up a rust bucket of a tank. I had a Triumph motorcycle tank tanked once and have regretted it ever since

[Enzo C.]

Re: should I re-use my gas tank or go new?

The quanta tanks are great and no deducts at a Regional last year... Just make sure that the fuel sending unit is correct that's all... Good luck

[Joe L.]

Re: should I re-use my gas tank or go new?

Guys,

Wanted to see if there are any opinions on whether I should re-use my original gas tank or not on the 69 coupe I'm restoring. It is in good shape without any evidence of rust. I could just have it tanked and then prime and paint it, right? The other option is to just buy a new one. It's not a 427 or anything but this is a very original SB car. Everything else on this car is original and being rebuilt/restored. I'm just not sure about the quality of the repop gas tanks available. Appreciate your thoughts.

Mike

Mike------


Is the car a very late 1969 with an integral pressure/vacuum valve (located on top of the tank to the left of the filler opening)? If so, understand that these valve fail and, when they do, you will get gasoline fumes in the passenger compartment. There is no way I know of to replace or repair the valve.

[Michael L.]

Re: should I re-use my gas tank or go new?

Joe,

It is a Sept 69 car. Not sure on the valve, I will have to check the tank. I'll snap a couple of pics and send them.

Mike

[Joe L.]

Re: should I re-use my gas tank or go new?

Joe,

It is a Sept 69 car. Not sure on the valve, I will have to check the tank. I'll snap a couple of pics and send them.

Mike

Mike-------


I have an original owner September, 1969. It had the valve. I'll be interested in your photos.

[Henry J.]

Re: should I re-use my gas tank or go new?

Joe:

I need an education on this valve. What does it look like? How widely was it used?

Thank you in advance.

[Joe L.]

Re: should I re-use my gas tank or go new?

Joe:

I need an education on this valve. What does it look like? How widely was it used?

Thank you in advance.

Henry------

On the outside of the tank it appears like a more-or-less flat, circular device several inches to the left of the filler opening. The center has a small "triangular" tunnel which bisects the top of the valve. From inside the tank, the valve extends down about 1-1/2" but cannot be seen.

This valve was used from late 1969 through 1974. It was also used on all 1963-69 SERVICE fuel tanks available from GM from about 1970 until the tanks were finally discontinued.

The integral pressure vacuum valve is what allowed 1970-74 Corvettes to use a sealed gas cap.

[Alan S.]

Re: should I re-use my gas tank or go new?

Hi Henry,
Here's an example of the 'button' valve.
It's spring loaded with there being only about 1/16" of 'travel' from closed to open.
Regards,
Alan