Anyone using their STOCK "A" tank ?

I think a motorcycle is completely different situation.

Thanks,
Kurt

 

I'm using my stock tank in my 31 roadster. I just really like the look of the original ford dash. Of course I am using a flathead V8 in the roadster but was wondering if i could do the same in my 31 coupe that I want to install a sbc in. Looks like I need to indent the firewall to make the chevy work or lengthen the frame. Any one run a stock A tank with a sbc??? Thanks.

 

I've always used the stock tank in my '30 coupe. It's a SBC now and the indent is right under the wire tunnel on the bottom of the tank. Stock mounting of the body, though. I have another 18 gallon tank in the trunk with an electric selector valve. The only problem with the stock tank is the ethanol ate the cork float and is causing the gaskets to weep on the fuel guage. I finally got the wrenches to remove the guage nuts for a summer project.

 

'30-31 has some space between wall and tank.

 

I think there is one fact which nobody seem to have taken into account. It doesn't how cool it is, nor the fact that that there is little space elsewhere : your life is a finite item.
The other Major consideration, whether riding a bike or driving a cool ride is there are too many Numpties out there who are too buisy drinking coffee, speaking on a car phone or even making their face pretty!!!
They don't give a damm about you your ride or how cool it looks, your road trash stopping them from getting where they think they need to be .
How can you with any conscience drive a cool motor with a fuel tank located in a place designed for l930,s traffic in the 21st Century?
When I rode my Harley regularily I always treat every driver as an IDIOT, that way riding defensively I avoided situations befor they happerned. Drive Defensively and come home safe
(Only a greybeards opion and you can't put an old head on young shoulders)

 

The ethanol ate the cork on my tank also. When I replaced the float with a float from a Holley 94, I reinstalled the gauge using neoprene gaskets. So far, no leaks.

 

If you adapt your same approach to driving a hot rod as you do with riding your scoot, should have the same results. I've been riding Harleys for years and I got to tell ya, I feel safer in my 31 A. It draws attention and therefore folks know where I am. Ten gallons at chest level or 5 to 6 gallons at ball level? Same same if you ask me. By the way, if you haul ass and get way out in front of them, you ain't got to worry about them.

 

If ya crash hard enough to rupture the tank you probably be dead enough not to feel the fire! Seriously, I'd run it and not worry to much about the safety issues provided it's in good shape. There are so many safty issues with a 75 year old car you could go crazy worring about them, it'll never be as safe as a new zillion airbag equipted Volvo. It's like riding a motorcycle man, know the safety issues and drive it accordingly.

 

I drive my A coupe wiith the stock tank, and also a '29 B powered coupe with a stock tank as well. The biggest problem over time was the steering column mount working on the metal of the tank kinda like a lever. Use a '31 column mount as someone before me mentioned and away you go. Also a fuel shut off isi essential as the stock carbs will pee the tank dry (and your garage floor wet) in no time at all. Motorcycles run em between your legs - whats the big difference. Gasolineis really not a problem until there is vapor and fire/sparks.
I ALWAYS drive with a fire extinguisher in an old car - makes me feel safer anyhow. I keep it next to me - not in the trunk. If the tank is good, as well as fittings etc - I am pefectly happy with mine. I think you will find lots of opinions and lots of pros and cons either way. Just do what feels/fits best for YOU!

 

I use the stock A tank too. As far as safety goes, how safe is a 75 year old car in an accident in general? I'd be worrying about plenty of other things before the tank in an accident. Considering the lack of crumple zones, or whether its been steeled out or still wood in the body, seat belts and correct mounting points etc......Lets face it with an A its either above your legs or behind your bum/back and about the same proximity.

I run an electric shut off and elctric fuel pump (all hidden) never have any problem with fumes or leaks. Plus you get the added benefit of the full use of your boot!

 

In my 30 P/U and the 28 roadster, ran the stock tank. both had SBC (roadster was a 283, P/U 350 with dual fours). In the 7 years that I had roadster never gave a problem.
The P/U did start seeping on coloum mount, took tank out and had it repaired at radiator shop (this was mid 80's).

My 29AA has twin saddle tanks (33 gal per side) right behind cab outside frame rails. Been driving it for 37 years. Drive defensive no matter what you drive!!!!

Stock tanks due limit distance between fill up's, however it is time to get out and move any way. My 29 will go apx 400 miles towing my 5th wheel RV and I still stop and move around before time to fill. I'm 5'5" so the A cab fits me, but it is still small.