Parts supply frustration downunder

[John G.]

Experience has shown me there are varying quality of parts available from a large number of suppliers my only frustration is I cannot easily walk through their door to see the quality before I buy. I expect it may be frowned upon to recommend suppliers on this forum but would appreciate any private communication about suppliers of a good quality new gas tank for my 72 LT1.
thanks aussie john

[Joe L.]

Re: Parts supply frustration downunder

Experience has shown me there are varying quality of parts available from a large number of suppliers my only frustration is I cannot easily walk through their door to see the quality before I buy. I expect it may be frowned upon to recommend suppliers on this forum but would appreciate any private communication about suppliers of a good quality new gas tank for my 72 LT1.
thanks aussie john

John----


I believe most, if not all, of the fuel tanks available for 63-74 Corvettes are manufactured by Spectra Industries. In later SERVICE, I think they were also the supplier to GM. GM no longer carries fuel tanks for any 53-82 Corvette, though. So, I think that just about whoever you get the tank from, it's going to be, basically, the same thing.

You may be able to obtain a Spectra tank through normal automotive parts channels in Australia. That might save you a lot in shipping costs. You can use GM #3967749 to cross-reference the tank you need.

If you want a tank with the "OLA" logo (the original manufacturer's embossed logo), then you need to obtain a tank from Quanta Products or one of their dealers. Only their tanks have the embossed logo since they are the only ones licensed to use it. However, I believe these tanks are manufactured for them by Spectra tank and are otherwise the same as those sold by others. The "OLA" logo cannot even be seen when the tank is installed in the car; I don't know why anyone makes a "fuss" over it.

The Spectra part number for your application is "GM33D". By the way, Spectra is a Canadian company so maybe you can get some benefit of being a fellow "crown colony". However, Spectra doesn't sell directly to the public.

[John G.]

Re: Parts supply frustration downunder

Thanks Joe have done a little more research and have seen reference to "with /without LT1 engine" were the tanks different in LT1?
john

[Joe L.]

Re: Parts supply frustration downunder

Thanks Joe have done a little more research and have seen reference to "with /without LT1 engine" were the tanks different in LT1?
john

John-----

OOPS! I somehow missed the fact that the car was an LT-1; for some reason I was thinking LS-5. The original tank for LT-1 was GM #3967741 and is known as Spectra "GM33F"

The LT-1 used a Holley carburetor and associated fuel pump and had no RIGHT (PASSENGER) SIDE fuel return line. So, the tank for LT-1's didn't have a nipple on the upper right side of the tank; all other 1972 applications did have the right side upper nipple. That's the ONLY difference between the tank for 1972 LT-1 and the tank for all other 1972 Corvette applications.

By the way, all 1972 tanks have provisions for a LEFT (DRIVER) SIDE upper nipple and mounting for the plastic fuel separator. This is for the EEC system.

[Jack H.]

Re: Parts supply frustration downunder

Also, being a member of the NCRS Australia chapter CAN pay big dividends! First, you'll be in touch with local mates who've been there/done that. Second, when it comes to the BEND OVER expense of freight-in for large or heavy parts, the chapter can put the word out and see if there's a member who's in the process of purchasing a car and having it shipped down under in a container.

If you can combine 'forces', your item can be shipped to the freight forwarder who's packing the container Stateside and your part(s) can share the ride pretty much free of charge! Currently, we're helping a Sydney based NCRS Australia member with his purchase of a '68 BB and there are other 'bits' being assembled to share the ride...

[Roy B.]

Re: Parts supply frustration downunder

Experience has shown me there are varying quality of parts available from a large number of suppliers my only frustration is I cannot easily walk through their door to see the quality before I buy. Many Corvette owners here have the same problem because they also dont live next to any Corvette dealers,so dont feel alone . I expect it may be frowned upon to recommend suppliers on this forum but would appreciate any private communication about suppliers of a good quality new gas tank for my 72 LT1.
thanks aussie john

Asking for some ones opinion here is what many others that live in the USA also do!