Gas Tank Issue - 64 Coupe

[Robert V.]

Restoring a 64 Coupe. Car has sat for over a year with a full tank of gas! (Dumb)! When I tried to get it started, it would not, only with
starting fluid. Long story short, fuel is bad, smells like varnish. Removed most of gas and inside tank has lots of rust/dirt, etc in it! I know I have to remove the tank, but will a good cleaning? help or should I replace the tank$$?

[Dan H.]

Re: Gas Tank Issue - 64 Coupe

Hi Robert, I would recommend replacement, new repro tanks are VERY nice. Also get some modern rubber hoses that accept todays fuels, just as insurance. Try to blow/flush all your fuel line components all the way to the engine, new filter etc. etc. Good luck!
Dan

[Duke W.]

Re: Gas Tank Issue - 64 Coupe

Gasoline should easily last a year without ill effect. For the last 20 years, I have regularly stored (inside) "modern cars" with closed fuel systems for an average of six months out of each year and recently had one in storage for 20 months without ill effect.

For "short term storage" -up to a year - I recommend a full tank. For long term - over a year to indefinite - I usually recommend draining the fuel system and applying a water repellant such as WD-40.

Vintage cars with vented fuel systems are more suspeptible to water intrusion than modern cars with closed fuel systems - vented to a vapor recovervy cannister with pressure and vacuum relief valves; and any vehicle that is stored outside and subject to condensing humidity is going to be much more suspeptible to fuel system corrosion damage than a car stored inside.

I suspect there are other issues at play in this case.

Duke

[Robert V.]

Re: Gas Tank Issue - 64 Coupe

Thanks for the info. Car has been inside a garage here in Utah. Cold, moisture, etc. When I first took the tank off, (complete frame off) it was not nearly as bad
as it is now?? Probably gonna replace it, do not the hassle of trying to clean and leaving dirt, grime, etc in it! What about the carb? Can I soak it in some gas? Or have to replace jets, etc?

[Duke W.]

Re: Gas Tank Issue - 64 Coupe

It sounds like the corrosion process had already began when you first inspected the tank whenever that was. Once corrosioin starts, it's nearly impossible to stop.

Since new Corvette tanks are available, that's the best solution. There are various coating systems for situations where new tanks are not available, but that's a second choice if new tanks are N/A.

There are commercial carburetor cleaners that you soak all the parts in, but EPA regs have reduced what's available today, so you'll have to look around or ask for recommendations.

Gasoline is highly flammible and should NEVER, EVER be used as a cleaning solvent. Gasoline should ONLY be used as fuel for the engine. Generally safe cleaning solvents include mineral spirits (paint thinner), denatured alcohol, lacquer thinner, and acetone. Mineral spirits/paint thinner is best for dissolving most petroleum products. The others are for "specialty jobs".

Duke

[Robert V.]

Re: Gas Tank Issue - 64 Coupe

Have started looking for a replacement tank, Ebay has several, lots cheaper that the Vette catalogs I have used. Fuel has been removed and tank should be out tomorrow. Will air blow the lines
from the filter line hook-up back to the tank. Should I spray any type of cleaner in the line? As for the carb, can I leave it on the car? Or does it have to be removed to soak in solvent?

[Duke W.]

Re: Gas Tank Issue - 64 Coupe

A normal carburetor overhaul includes complete disassembly and soaking all parts in a suitable carburetor cleaner. I would also suggest the same for all fuel pipes.

Duke

[Paul J.]

Re: Gas Tank Issue - 64 Coupe

Have started looking for a replacement tank, Ebay has several, lots cheaper that the Vette catalogs I have used.

Note the manufacturer's mark on the tank. Quanta is your best bet.

Paul

[Robert V.]

Re: Gas Tank Issue - 64 Coupe

Paul, is Quanta a Vette parts place? Yes, would rather have stamp on the tank, I keep most of car as original as possible.

[Jim T.]

Re: Gas Tank Issue - 64 Coupe

Robert the gas tank company that has been mentioned advertises in the NCRS DRIVELINE and has done this for many years.

[Joe R.]

Re: Gas Tank Issue - 64 Coupe

Robert,

Here they are on the web:

http://www.gastanks.com/

Joe

[Harry S.]

Re: Gas Tank Issue - 64 Coupe

Go with Quanta. If your going to Carlisle, pick it up there and ask if they have a show discount.

You will save the shipping but may have to pay PA sales tax.

[Clark K.]

Re: Gas Tank Issue - 64 Coupe

For "short term storage" -up to a year - I recommend a full tank. For long term - over a year to indefinite - I usually recommend draining the fuel system and applying a water repellant such as WD-40.
I suspect there are other issues at play in this case. Duke

I agree, a full tank of fuel is the best way to prevent condensation in a fuel tank for the period Duke states. The condensation leads to rust issues inside the tank. However, with that full tank of fuel, I would put in some fuel stabilizer since modern gasohol is not as "stable" chemically, as gasoline has been in the past.
-Clark

[Robert V.]

Re: Gas Tank Issue - 64 Coupe

Thanks again for the info! I found the tank with Quanta, but Volunteer Corvette has the same tank a little cheaper and free shipping? I have used Volunteer in the past for parts, so I am comfortable with them.
Looks like the filler nect needs to be replaced also! Started cleaning the lines and came to the fuel pump, does it need to be replaced also??

[Clark K.]

Re: Gas Tank Issue - 64 Coupe

Looks like the filler neck needs to be replaced also! Started cleaning the lines and came to the fuel pump, does it need to be replaced also??

Robert, there should be no fuel pump in the gas tank of a 1964 model Corvette. Do you mean the sending unit for the gas gauge, perhaps? If this is to what you are referring, you don't need to change it unless there is a reason to do so, like it is rusty or the gas gauge doesn't work properly.

If you mean the mechanical fuel pump that is mounted on the front of the engine, that is a separate matter. You can always blow it out or have it rebuilt. Unless it is leaking, running fresh fuel through it will be all that is necessary.
-Clark