N03 Big Tank Identification Features

[Tim S.]

Are there any tell-tail signs that a big tank car would have after the 36 gallon tank and cover are removed?
For instance is the rear shelf behind the seat the same height as as non-N03 Car? The car in question is a 1966
Thank You

[Dick W.]

Re: N03 Big Tank Identification Features

Filled holes in the jack storage compartment and white inner fenders are two quick checks.

[Mike M.]

Re: N03 Big Tank Identification Features

no3 partition between rear of car and the cockpit lacks the rectangular metal plate on its outside wall and there should be no evidence that the plate was removed and its rivet holes filled in. the rear 1/4's had their lips partially removed and the tubs were reworked at the factory. the main fuel line's route to the rear differs from base tank cars. the harness to the tank routes inside the car behind the drivers seat. i'm sure there are more but my feeble brain has been fading of late. but i'm still suckin air. mike

[Wayne M.]

Re: N03 Big Tank Identification Features

Filled holes in the jack storage compartment and white inner fenders are two quick checks.

Here's an example of Dick's mention. Tanker is a '65 but shows the different (earlier) fiberglass fender panels. Assuming the car you're looking at (unlike this one ) is now painted, you can wipe the inner surface of the panel (via the wheelwell) to check.


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[Tim S.]

Re: N03 Big Tank Identification Features

Thank you Mike...my feeble brain must be worse than yours! This is a race car so most things are "disturbed" , particularly the wire harness
and it has a fuel cell so not sure about the fuel line clue. Unfortunately I am nowhere the car so no visual is possible. I understand the rear partition panel is removed but I am not sure what you mean about a metal plate on the outside wall? The rear inner fenders are white from Dick's clue.
Thanks
Tim

[Tim S.]

Re: N03 Big Tank Identification Features

Thank you..my reply to Dick was incorrect I thought he ment the inside of the fender (inside the car) that I can see from a picture but the car is painted white so they may have sprayed the inside as well
Thanks Tim

[Wayne M.]

Re: N03 Big Tank Identification Features

....This is a race car so most things are "disturbed" ... and it has a fuel cell ..... Unfortunately I am nowhere the car so no visual is possible, but I am not sure what you mean about a metal plate on the outside wall? The rear inner fenders are white from Dick's clue....

Tim -- I'm guessing that this is what Mike meant by the rear vertical metal channel, riveted to the rear bulkhead with 6 rivets [see thumbnail below big pic]. On tankers, because of the fuel filler hole, [see big pic] they couldn't install this channel, so there should be no evidence of rivet holes in this panel on 36 gal cars; it's bare fiberglass, so easy to see.

[Wayne M.]

Re: N03 Big Tank Identification Features

Tim -- I hope we're not overloading you here, but here's one feature that is difficult to remove, and should show even if the car interior is carpeted (if you know what to look for).

They're called the wheelwell filler panels, and the factory cuts out the standard inner fender cap and glues these on top, to give greater clearance for larger diameter tires (think 1963, '64 racing). They are fairly thick.

First pic is view of the passenger side cap taken from perspective of driver seat. 2nd pic has the camera placed in the passenger rear corner, looking forward. That clip is the anchor for the jack retention spring. On the left you can see the tank cover bolted to the side channels, which are glued to the floor (tub). And on the right you can see the filler panel.

There's more if (as previously referenced) there has ever been a fuel line from the pump to the standard 20 gal. tank. Two frame holes will show evidence of self-tapping bolts having been installed; and if it is an original 36 gal car, these two holes will show no thread marks and a 3rd hole will be drilled for the N03 fuel line routing.

[Tim S.]

Re: N03 Big Tank Identification Features

Wayne that is not overload I appreciate your photos ans explanations. I will have to ask the owner to take some more pics
Tim

[Gene L.]

Re: N03 Big Tank Identification Features

Are there any tell-tail signs that a big tank car would have after the 36 gallon tank and cover are removed?
For instance is the rear shelf behind the seat the same height as as non-N03 Car? The car in question is a 1966
Thank You

I have just finished restoring an original (real) 1965 NO3. It would be easiest to discuss the differences over the phone. Cell # is 479-381-1039.

[Wayne M.]

Re: N03 Big Tank Identification Features

Tim -- just thought of another quick indicator. Ask seller to state what's on the '66 trim tag (under glove box). If upper RH is stamped A-xxxx (where x= a number 0 to 9, then it can't be an original big tank car]. Only St. Louis body line made them. In this case the upper RH will be stamped Sxxxx.

[James G.]

Re: N03 Big Tank Identification Features

TRIM TAG ''ecl'' code AB, CB, GB, JB, = N03 Tanks. for 1966 interior colors. I have other photos if you need more. Will have to dig them out and load them.

[Tim S.]

Re: N03 Big Tank Identification Features

Jim

Thank you but this is a race car and no Trim Tag.
Tim

[James G.]

Re: N03 Big Tank Identification Features

Just sent you PM with photos Tim. I am happy to post here is all feel needed, but have to load photobucket first.