30+ gallon gas tanks that will fit under the deck lid?

[Bob B.]

Hi all,

I am restoring a '57 that raced at least back in the mid-60's. It had a regular tank until the last two races when it had a 30+ gallon steel tank. I have only two kidneys, so I can't afford an original even if one were available, but I am wondering if there is a 30-gallon tank from another type of car that maybe would fit under the deck lid that I could convert to the kind that has a fill in the middle of the deck lid? Also, any pics of what an original 30+ gallon tank looks like would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Bob

[Wayne M.]

Re: 30+ gallon gas tanks that will fit under the deck lid?

Here's the 24 gallon tank (Jack Podell's swap site). Did they just cut and extend one of these to get 30 gallons capacity, like they did with the 36.5 gallon tanks, to make them into 42.5 gallons ?



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[John H.]

Re: 30+ gallon gas tanks that will fit under the deck lid?

Also, any pics of what an original 30+ gallon tank looks like would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Bob

Bob -

Photo below is the only one I have in my files of the 30+ gallon tank.


37GalTank.jpg

[Jim L.]

Re: 30+ gallon gas tanks that will fit under the deck lid?

Bob, if you are looking for a functional replacement (and one with which you could safely vintage race your '57), give the good folks at Fuel Safe Systems a call. They can make a custom fuel cell to any dimensions. Not inexpensive, but definitely less than an original. Safer, too.

Jim

[Bob B.]

Re: 30+ gallon gas tanks that will fit under the deck lid?

Thanks Wayne and John!

I think the one in John's pic is likely the one the car had. Do you or anyone know of a similar size tank from another type car that might fit?

Thanks,

Bob

[Loren L.]

Re: 30+ gallon gas tanks that will fit under the deck lid?

John's picture is of a 36/7 gallon 60-2 FIBERGLASS tank; steel tanks of like capacity appeared in the 56/7 Sebring racers; the only later steel tank of big capacity that I am aware of was the one built in Europe for the '62 Le Mans entry.

[Mike E.]

Re: 30+ gallon gas tanks that will fit under the deck lid?

No. It was a totally different design and configuration. Actual capacity of c1 racer tank with top fill through back window was 37 gallon.

Here's the 24 gallon tank (Jack Podell's swap site). Did they just cut and extend one of these to get 30 gallons capacity, like they did with the 36.5 gallon tanks, to make them into 42.5 gallons ?



m

[Bob B.]

Re: 30+ gallon gas tanks that will fit under the deck lid?

Loren,

I'm getting my information from Fred Yeakel, who drove the car for owner Larry Leedy. He said the tank was steel and that it and the gauge were SR-2 items, so that fits exactly with what you said.

Thanks,

Bob

[Loren L.]

Re: 30+ gallon gas tanks that will fit under the deck lid?

Two seperate comments - one to the Administrator of the Board - Why is it that when I attempt to "edit" and remove a typo that the screen that appears under edit does NOT appear as the one that I supposedly "saved"?

Far more importantly (possibly) is the primary inquiry - the steel large tanks. It would SEEM that such tanks were a "controlled" number in 1956, ie, the effort then pretty much under total Chev Engineering control; in 1957, perhaps not so much. Doane was a recognized "factory" outlet; Rosenthal was at or approached that status, etc. Individual racers also seemed to fit into the "factory acceptable" category for "off-the-main-line" parts.
There is "information" out there as Fred Y. knows. I could not begin to furnish a list of possible commentators without a fear for forgetting 9 or 10, so if you and the owner are comfortable, we need more information - even if it is just limited to a VIN range and possible origins.
By the way, SR-2 tanks may be a TOTALLY different topic - but good information is available from good owners on that scene also.
Can we hear further?

[Bob B.]

Re: 30+ gallon gas tanks that will fit under the deck lid?

Loren, Don't know if this is any big deal, but attached are pics of nylon straps that have a note that they were used to hold down the 37-gallon tank. What do you think? Maybe they're just homemade? Thanks, Bob

PS: I'll add pics later. The "Manage Attachments" has never let me upload any pics, so I need to get with John Waggoner.

[Bob B.]

Re: 30+ gallon gas tanks that will fit under the deck lid?

Loren,

Here are the nylon straps that held the 37-gallon tank? Might they have come with the tank or maybe just handmade when they put it in?

Thanks,

Bob

[Loren L.]

Re: 30+ gallon gas tanks that will fit under the deck lid?

They're from Bubba. Real ones were steel with special brackets for both ends.
At one time, Tim Partridge was apparently making reproduction tanks; I wonder if he also did the straps and the brackets?