to clean my gas tank or buy a new one?

My tank on my 1955 fairlane is rusty and wondering if I should clean it or start over. If i need a new one any sugestions?
Thanks Dave

 

i just redid the tank for my hawk and used a kit from eastwood to clean and seal it. i am really happy with the results so far. i don't know what a new tank cost but i did mine for about 60 beans.

 

Pressure test it first. If it has leaks junk it.

 

Rust is not your friend. If you're gonna keep the car for awhile, and want reliability, think about a replacement. Pretty darn cheap for new re-popped tanks, now. It's a bitch to be constantly rebuilding your carb from picking up the crap out of your rusty old tank. Cleaning the old one might be an option, but why bother?

 

How much of the tank is really left?
I just replaced the tank in my '66 because most of the tank was thinner than a soda can.
Even if I had cleaned it and then patched the 15 odd holes in it (That I could see) there just was not much tank left. I feel much better (safer) knowing I have a new tank under there.

 

used...

 

A new gas tank is money well spent.... I bet ya can buy a new one for $250 or so.

 

I am a fan of use what you got, especially since my budget is usually thinner than a shoe string. I have saved the worst of tanks, filled with rust and even pin holes. Your savior will be Red Kote. It is available at some paint suppliers as well as radiator shops, or jut get it on the internet.

You will need to drop and drain tank, if its dry- even better. Drop a chain inside and slosh it around and loosen all the corrosion. Rinse multiple times with some thinner or MEK.

Blow it dry with compressor. Pour in thick and creamy Red Kote. Put lid back on and tilt tank on all angles to "Kote" all the inside nooks and cranneys. Once its all over the inside just dump excess back into can for another project. I ussually set it out in the sun for a couple days. Once dry the tank will have a nice indestructable rubber coating inside.

Pretty simple and VERY effective, Ive done about 5 or six tanks with 100% results.

 

I gotta say for the peace of mind and the little cost a new tank is the way togo!

 

I replaced mine last year, manufactured in canada, delivered to my door step, with gasket, and brand new sending unit all for under $150. I think I spent near $135. Look around and find the best deal. I found mine off epay!

 

I rest my case:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1955...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories


For that low of a price, its kind of hard to justify putting a patch on yours. Its kinda like brakes, steering, and tires. Not something you want to cheap out on!

 

I just had a radiator shop go through mine , I'm pleased with the results. If you can get a new one for a fair amount then I'd do it, if not I'm sure a radiator shop could do a nice job for a reasonable price.

 

There is another one on the same site with straps, sending unit, pads and bolts. $214 BIN

 

buy a new one a $200 isnt much to spend, if you dont youll wish you had when your sitting on the side of the road ha ha , i speak from experience

 

If one is available, get a new one.

-Brad

 

Help you and the economy buy a new one

 

oh yes, the side of the road........not as fun as it seems

 

I used a chemical kit from a guy named Bill Hirsch on my '51 Fleetline back in '98 and it is still on the road and working fine........

 

Put a new one on our 57 Chevy. Had one steam cleaned, hot tanked, and sealed with epoxy on my other car. Saved $100 over new. Both options are good.

 

BUY A NEW ONE!That crap sealer will leave you on the side of the road.There is a outfit in Cincinnati that does a good job dipping them for $100. Been down that road too,buy a new one you will be glad you did