1958 Gas Tank

[Richard N.]

This started out as a fuel filter change. At this point I'm replacing everything - including the tank. So far it's going well. It just takes a while.

1958 Gas Tank.jpg

Richard Newton
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[John H.]

Re: 1958 Gas Tank

Richard -

Be sure and take the opportunity now to add a dedicated ground wire from the fuel tank sending unit to the frame.

Also, if your new tank weld flange around the outside isn't bent down locally where the tank retaining straps pass by, do that before you install it or you won't be able to get the strap ends bolted down.

[Richard N.]

Re: 1958 Gas Tank

The nice thing about buying parts from Corvette Central is they actually work. The new tank is perfect. Notice that the edges are correct here.

'58 Gas Tank.jpg

Richard Newton
Car Tech Stuff

[Richard N.]

Re: 1958 Gas Tank

I think I figured out why my fuel gauge didn't work. Here's the float I removed yesterday.

'58 Fuel Gauge.jpg

Richard Newton

[Richard N.]

Re: 1958 Gas Tank

1958 Fuel Tank.jpg

This is what John was talking about - I think. The corners are not bent down on the Corvette Central tank. I took some time today and did a comparison of the CC tank and the original. There are at least a half dozen small differences. The Corvette Central tank won't fool anyone. On the other hand it fits and isn't full of rust.

Richard Newton

[Mike T.]

Re: 1958 Gas Tank

John, that is one seriously eaten-up float. What do you suspect was the cause, just old fuel and corrosion taking it's course or maybe water in the tank (although I would have thought any water would have settled to the bottom). Mike T.

[Richard N.]

Re: 1958 Gas Tank

Probably not all that surprising given that we're talking 50 plus years. I'm sure there was water in the tank during some of those years. It couldn't have been avoided. I've developed a new system for removing all the gasoline from the tank after I drive the car. I do some work with one of the very large collections in the country. They drive every car at least every six months. Before they put a car back on the floor they drain the tank. My collection is minuscule compared to theirs but I'm going to follow the same procedure.

Don't forget there were a lot of years where this was just an old car that sat outside.

Richard Newton

[Richard N.]

Re: 1958 Gas Tank

I've got the new tank in place. It's a tight fit but it's a good fit. The real fun is messing with the two straps. It should be easy but like most things it isn't.

Fuel Tank in Place copy.jpg

Richard Newton

[Christopher R.]

Re: 1958 Gas Tank

The real fun is messing with the two straps. It should be easy but like most things it isn't.

Start with longer bolts to get the straps cinched down. Then replace them with the original size.

[Richard N.]

Re: 1958 Gas Tank

I'm just about done. The fun part today was dealing with a vent line fitting that appears to be in the wrong location. The sending unit from Corvette Central was perfect. Quanta just put the vent line connection in the wrong place.
'58 Fuel Sender.jpg
The good part was that I was able to bend it our of the way. We shouldn't have to do this though. Quanta could have put it in the proper location at no additional expense to them. Actually this new tank is a better repro part than most. I guess is just expect too much. Silly me.

Richard Newton
Car Tech Stuff