I’m looking for recommendations on what to do with my gas tank in my pickup. I have a problem with stuff in the tank and was in the process on cleaning it out. Then I discovered the paint is peeling on the dash (part of the tank) near the steering column mounting bracket and under the tank. I noticed this before (there was just a little loose paint around the steering column bracket), but if has gotten a lot worse. So, this tells me that there is gas seeping out through the bracket mounting rivet holes. What I have been debating is to either install saddle tanks under the truck or go through the whole process of fixing the original tank. The truck is a nice somewhat original 29 Model A pickup with a built "B" motor and trans. I’m not crazy about having eleven gallons of gas sitting in my lap, but thought I should get some other ideas before moving out with a fix. I talked to the previous owner and he said that the tank had sealer put in it before. So, fixing this tank could be a major job, I’m going to at least have to clean it out, re-seal it and then re-paint the inside (dash part) of the tank.
Just bite the bullet and get the thing out of there then do the resto on it. It's a pain I know but it won't cost nearly as much or be nearly as much hassle as installing and using saddle tanks. After cleaning and sloshing the leaks should be sealed well enough. Unless you can wiggle the column drop and see visible movement then it should be okay and seal up with a good brand of sealer. I recommend the Eastwood cleaner/sealer kit for 45 bucks. As far as having gas in your lap in an early car that may well be the best place to have it. The stock placement is about as crash proof as it's possible to get on early iron, compare it to the vulnerable 32 style tank, and if you use good, meaning non-cheap, valves and hardware then leaking into the passenger compartment shouldn't be a problem. Here's the link to the Eastwood kit; http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?itemID=382&itemType=PRODUCT
I'd be inclined to go with both of these guys, but just for the sake of arguement, how much gas tank capacity would you gain by going the saddle tank route? How much do the saddle tanks cost? Everything comes down to this- Does the end justify the means? Usually in my case, the money factor decides it for me, but if you plan on doing some long trips, the saddles might be worth thinking about. My $.02 .
I agree with those guys, fix the orig. If you change your mind though, and want the saddles I can hook you up with a good deal on a set. A buddy of mine has a pair he wants to get rid of. I don't think they ever had gas in them. PM me and I'll get you in touch with him. Most expensive thing will probably be shipping from NJ.
I'll be the first to disagree, I don't like the idea of the fuel in my lap either. But thats just me. My 31 RPU will have the fuel elswhere.
The saddle tank capacity is usually rated at 7 gal. per side. Don't know how much of that is actually usuable though. A 10-11 gal. capacity isn't really that much of a disadvantage. Tooling the typical early ride down the slab most are looking for a break every two or three hours anyway. As for operational considerations my friend Richard's Tudor sedan has had an Eastwood refurbed stock tank in it for four years and we've yet to smell as much as a whiff of gas inside the car. Additionally you can fill it up from either side no problem which you sure can't say about saddle tanks. One caveat: get a plastic float for the gas guage. Ethanol may well break down the varnish on cork versions. The Eastwood sealer is supposedly ethanol proof as well. Far as safety goes it's going to take a hell of a crash to severely disrupt the tank structure given its location in the center of the vehicle. Use good hardware and stay with solid well flared steel line and it shouldn't be a leaker inside the cab. Keeping the tank pretty much requires keeping the original instrument cluster but it's not that big a hill to climb.
Hey Fordcrager, Pulling the tank is a job I tried to avoid. But, once I got into it, it went well. It's a straight forward project, one you'll be glad you did and glad you are done with. If you're having gas seep from the tank at the steering column mount, (as you know) that's serious, I'd go with pulling the tank. If you have any questions let me know, be glad to pass on the good, bad, and ugly of having been there. -tyrod
Before you actually break out the bucks and swap to saddle tanks, try a check of http://www.ahooga.com or http://www.fordbarn.com, and speak to the fellows who restore or keep their Model A's stock. The archives there may well answer you question very specifically, and that is one heck of a lot cheaper than installing the saddle tanks. I believe it has been discussed several times in th epast, but I am working off memory on that. The original tank location is placed very appropriately for the vehicle and will not be any worry to you in using it is. If you are just too scared to leave it as stock, then, by all means feel free to feel more comfortable by changing the location of the tank as a comfort measure. It won't really change a thing as to safety, but it will lighten your wallet a bit and make your fears subside in the process. I just don't agree with the fear mongers who claim there is a risk in having the tank located where it is. I think the actual risk is more of a myth than reality. The fear is not a myth, but the reality of such is, in my opinion. I'd sure suggest to try fixing the original first, before swapping to a pair of saddle tanks and hoping to be happy with them. The cost of doing this is not going to be as expensive, and it is something that does indeed need to be checked into for a safety factor, alone. Leaks are not a good thing, even if minor, as they will probably increase over time. Huey
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