Gas tanks-steel or Polyethylene your opinion

I need a new gas tank for my 1947 Chevy. I think the polyethylene would be better. What do you have? Your opinion on which is better for a driver. Thanks JJibs

 

Rock Valley has stainless steel tanks for your car: http://www.rockvalleyantiqueautoparts.com/catalog/gas_tanks_chevy.pdf

 

I had a poly tank in a 47 Ford. It worked ok, but, it would "balloon" like crazy when it any amount of fuel in it. It never rusted, though. I prefer steel.

 

Steel has worked just fine for over 100 years, it's what I use.

 

I have a poly tank in my '35, it has been good...no leaks, no problems. I wish it was bigger than the 16 gallons but under a stock body, I guess that's all there's room for.

 

I bought a steel one for my 49 Chevy from Chevsofthe40's.

 

I think the Polyethylene tanks work OK I used on in the trunk of a non hamb friendly car one time and noticed it swelling on a hot day. But once I fixed the vent it wasn't a problem.

I guess no one is going to see it but given my options I would prefer a steel tank.

If it is going to be under the '47 you need to pay close attention to how low it sits. And you need to be aware that they do build static electricity more than a steel tank will so properly grounded and be careful to keep the filler in contact with the old hopptie when filling so as not to make a spark.

 

STEEL... poly tanks are complete garbage.

 

My vote goes for steel...........

 

the steel tank lasted 63yr. how hard is this to figure

 

Yes real hard to figure, thanks for your opinion. Thanks Guys

 

The OE's have been using Plastic tanks for years now, at least 25+ in pickup trucks!

 

Sounds like steel tanks get the vote? I think I am getting a tank for Christmas is why I searched for a thread about tanks.

So, hows steel tank do you guys like? Rock Valley?

 

Poly ****s. I have a Tanks in my 54, mine and all the others I sold leak,stain and look ****ty after time.

 

Seamless crosslinked polyethylene in a steel can is what holds the fuel in all my race cars, so that's what will hold the fuel in my hot rod as well.

Most all the trouble that people have with PE tanks is self-inflicted. They swell if you don't vent them? They should be vented anyway, how is that a problem? Also, when they're mounted inside a steel can, they don't swell, 'cause there's no place to go.

PE doesn't rust, and it's damned near puncture proof, especially when the PE bladder is inside a steel can. That cannot be said for stainless or carbon steel replacement tanks.

If you want purity, or dead ringer OEM looks, or have odd space considerations (where roughly cubic/rectangular shapes won't work) go with a reproduction steel tank.

If you want to buy the tank, install it properly, and then forget about it, buy a circle track fuel cell (PE bladder in a steel can) without the foam. It will be safer in all cases, and in most cases, the cell will be cheaper than the repro steel tank.

They don't look terribly traditional though, so it really only works when it's hidden from view (or if you don't really care about traditional looks).

 

I've used poly tanks, steel tanks and stainless steel tanks and everyone worked out well. Read the instructions and install it right and you'll have no problems.

CRUISER

 

If you have the choice, go steel.
It worked and looked great.

 

I'm leaning towards a Tanks steel tank for $215.

 

I say steel. Tom (Tired Old Man)

 

I had a poly tank in my '34 until it started leaking at the seam where the top and bottom mated. Replaced it with a steel one from Bob Drake. No problems since! no more poly tanks for me!

Jim

 

Steel!