C1 early '57 Gas Tank

[Rod K.]

My original tank is marginal, some rust which may be approaching holiness and it needs plating (which I can't get done easily) so I'm considering replacement as recommended on this board in a recent thread. Some questions just for clarification.

Is there one source for the current repros (Quanta?) or more than one? Any recommendations for a source?

Will the repro fit properly w/o significant rework?

If I go with the late style ('61-'62) will it be obvious after installation, ie, the vent and hose clips will be on top hidden under the tank cover, but is there anything different which will be visible through the body vent holes in the bottom of the tank cavity, baffle spotwelds, etc? Will the fuel gauge, etc, from the early tank fit correctly in the late tank (no baffle interference, etc)?

Thanks for the help.

[John H.]

Re: C1 early '57 Gas Tank

Rod -

Quanta has both versions - early '57 (non-vented) and later '57 (vented); I used one in my late '57, and it fit fine, including the fuel sending unit.

[Mike M.]

Re: C1 early '57 Gas Tank

i recently installed the late 57 Quanta repo in my early 57 to avoid venting issues. fit great. mike

[Rod K.]

Re: C1 early '57 Gas Tank

Thanks for the response John and Mike. Would you recommend for or against going with the later baffled tank, keeping in mind the desire to appear original as installed?

[Bob B.]

Re: C1 early '57 Gas Tank

Rod,

I'd go with the baffled tank to keep gas from sloshing when you turn. I have never heard of anyone judging gas tanks anyway and I doubt that anyone could tell one way or another from the vent holes.

Installation is very easy as you just take the bolts out that hold the tank in, take the tank out and put the new one in.

Bob

PS: If your tank is original, did it have any sort of coating on it or was it just bare metal?

[Rod K.]

Re: C1 early '57 Gas Tank

Bob, thanks for your reply. The original tank appears to be zinc plated, probably preplated sheet metal, but it doesn't have a "galvanized" look. It was thin and has worn or aged to the point where there was some pitting in areas exposed to the outside.

I'm wondering if the spot welds for the baffles appear on the bottom of the tank and would they be visible in the car. Do you know whether there would be any potential interference from the baffles with the original '57 pickup?

Thanks again for your response.

[John H.]

Re: C1 early '57 Gas Tank

The sending unit won't interfere with the baffles if you choose to go that way.

The original tank was made from "terne-plated" steel, which plating is primarily lead; galvanized steel (hot-dipped coating) is primarily zinc.

[Rod K.]

Re: C1 early '57 Gas Tank

Thanks, John.

[Bob B.]

Re: C1 early '57 Gas Tank

Rod,

The reason I was asking about whether the tank was coated with anything is because mine is completely painted with a tar-based looking black paint. My tank is baffled, but, due to the coating, I can't tell from below if there are any weld spots. Quanta ought to be able to tell you, though.

Has anyone seen an original gas tank painted with black tar-based paint? I don't know if mine is original, so maybe someone just painted it that way? It does have the OLA CO logo though.

Bob

[Gary C.]

Re: C1 early '57 Gas Tank

Bob, all '57 tanks I've taken out of unrestored cars were zinc plated and not painted like your's. Gary....