1963 Gas Tank Lettering

[Gerald C.]

I just removed my fuel tank and the following two pictures show some information that I'd like to see if anyone can determine what it represents.

Thanks

Picture #1.jpgPicture #2.jpg

[Stephen L.]

Re: 1963 Gas Tank Lettering

I'd guess it to be the markings used by the sheetmetal manufacturer on the roll of sheetmetal........

[Mike E.]

Re: 1963 Gas Tank Lettering

I'd guess it to be the markings used by the sheetmetal manufacturer on the roll of sheetmetal........

I agree. Here is a similar situation--on a C3 window regulator:
interesting window regulator stamp (2).jpg

[John M.]

Re: 1963 Gas Tank Lettering

The letters and numbers on your tank indicate the following: The "NES" showing in the top line is the end of the marking "Long Ternes", an identification of the type of anti rust coating on the steel. In this case it is a coating of lead/tin. The DQSK indicates the behavior of the steel, and means "Drawing Quality Special Killed" . The drawing quality is more ductile and would be more easily drawn into more complex shape with less breakage. Should you see a mark of "CQSK" it would indicate Commercial Quality Special Killed. Some tanks with less complex forming can use this (commercial) grade steel. A.O. Smith would specify the grade of the steel with the drawn being more expensive. The "63" that is noted simply is the year of production , 1963 in this case. There probably was a month and day preceding this. There most likely would also have been a "lift" number somewhere that would be linked to a log telling what time and shift the roll of steel was created. Each coil of steel is given a sequential number or exit number for identification when it rolled off of the line. Both the "C" and "D" steel material was made from ingot steel which was phased out in the 1990s. I would guess that if one could see the entire stamp it would say "US STEEL " on a round logo. The end user could also specify that the gauge and the coating weight be marked but in this case that was not needed. This type of marking was applied every so many feet to the roll of steel sent to the manufacturer of the products, in this case A.O. Smith, and therefore only appear on maybe every third tank and normally are not preserved well enough for us to see. Ford gas tanks contain pretty much the same type of information. This information provided me by U.S Steel, from "The Making, Shaping and Treating of Steel, USS " Hope this little history lesson is helpful to those who have noticed the branding seen on the occasional gas tank.

[Leif A.]

Re: 1963 Gas Tank Lettering

John,
Very educational. Thank you for your research.

[Gerald C.]

Re: 1963 Gas Tank Lettering

Thanks John! Very informative. At least the year matches my car!

[Don S.]

Re: 1963 Gas Tank Lettering

John Murphy is unable to download this artists rendering of the steel manufactures ink ID stamp. In this case US Steel, and asked me to post this.
This rendering was made from a 1964 Mustang gas tank and would probably be the same on any part made with the raw steel stock by any other manufacture, using their own proprietary ID markings. The markings shown here are explained in Johns original post.

EFCE8BB8-3196-4DE2-8D57-5FA141BF4840.jpg

[Don S.]

Re: 1963 Gas Tank Lettering

John Murphy is unable to download this artists rendering of the steel manufactures ink ID stamp. In this case US Steel, and asked me to post this.
This rendering was made from a 1964 Mustang gas tank and would probably be the same on any part made with the raw steel stock by any other manufacture, using their own proprietary ID markings. The markings shown here are explained in Johns original post.

EFCE8BB8-3196-4DE2-8D57-5FA141BF4840.jpg