fuel tank restore

[dmdeaton]

I bought the fuel tank from the swap meet and want to play around with restoring it. I am going to get the outside cleaned up and make sure all threads are cleaned and chased. Should I take it somewhere to be etched and sealed, or try it myself? And I left a question about the repop floats in the repop thread.

[BNCHIEF]

This is an area of expertise for a guy like Brent.

[aford193031]

X2

[tbirdtbird]

he recently posted some pix and description of how he handles the situation, and I seriously doubt anyone else does it better. I would just ship it to him and be done with it

[BNCHIEF]

My thoughts exactly Tbird or go to his seminar and take it with you.

[dmdeaton]

I figured with aftermarket tanks not available I would give it a shot and set it back as a good one for my project this summer. I am not out much if it is too bad off.

[H. L. Chauvin]

1. If one's "unknown" Model A gas tank is already out of the car when purchased, it is not a bad idea to remember that this tank is already 85+ years old.

2. Also, just try to remember that there are some Model A owners who would never try to sell or get rid of an "excellent", "like-new", and leak proof Model A gas tank.

3. For example, after providing your time consuming gas tank cleaning and sealer treatment, and after your finish painted gas tank re-installation:

A. Suppose an interior metal baffle is loose and rattles and makes noise only when you cross a railroad track; and/or,

B. The tank was once coated with the old 1973 Model A recommended "Permatex/Alcohol" sealer hidden behind the tank baffles; and this sealer dissolves and badly clogs your fuel system and engine valves if you add ethanol gas; and/or,

C. The tank had leaks through rust holes or other holes that were improperly patched and painted; and/or

D. Whatever else many Model A owners might find out after final installation when it is too late.

4. For total peace of mind and life safety for years to come, I agree with the above logical responses to at least first call Mr. Brent in TN to get his professional opinion based on his many past Model A tank experiences.

[Kevin in NJ]

Take the gas guage off and get the spark arrestor out then put a light inside and see what you have. Should be a silvery coating, Terne (lead) coating to be exact, and no things bouncing around.

Light surface rust is ok, pitting makes it questionable. If there is no smell of gas you can make a narrow adaptor and suck up the junk with a vacuum.

[DaWizard]

If there is the slightest smell of gas...keep that vacuum away from the tank!!!

[Kevin in NJ]

You gota live a little dangerous!!
The tank I had was dry for many many years so blowing up was not going to happen.

[BNCHIEF]

I use a bore scope on a lot of things works great on tanks as well, lets you see everything in there I have used it to inspect motors as well.