Technical Leaking Gas Tank

The Gas tank on my 57 Ford Ranch wagon is leaking. I looked at the tank and found it leaking from the drain plug, which now has the fuel line coming out of it. This is so wrong in so many ways. I have been looking for a new tank which is pricy. Although I haven't removed the tank yet I am sure there must be a problem with it if they ran the fuel line from the bottom of the tank. My question is who should I buy a tank from and what else do I need to replace if I replace the tank. I want to do this right the first time.
Tony

 

It’s not wrong if done correctly, I/e a tube should sit up an inch or so from the bottom of the tank.
But, I often hear of “Tanks Inc” and don’t recall anything negative about them, but no personal experience.
There also a “social forum “ for 5?-59 Ford cars here on the HAMB, that you could get some recommendations from.
Don’t ask me how to find it though

 

Same here with Tanks Inc., I generally replace the sender, filler hose and maybe the straps at the same time.

 

Check out Bob Drake. Has your tank in stock. I bought one of his tanks for my 53. Good quality.

 

The only company that I am aware of that reproduces a 57 Ford Station Wagon gas tank is Auto City and yes they are expensive but it's brand new and will last many years, I purchased one for our 54 Ford Ranch Wagon.

As far as what you will need is a new sending unit and hoses.

The best bet is to remove the tank and take it to a radiator shop and have them vat and pressure test it, use the drain plug for what it was intended and hook the gas line in the proper place.

You may find there is really nothing wrong that a competent radiator shop can't repair, if it's a lost cause then bite the bullet and buy a new one, that's what I ended up doing. HRP

 

It only takes a minute amount of debris or rust to cause problems. Then you are stuck somewhere and have to make arrangements to get home and ultimately refix the problem. If you mess around cleaning the tank and then it isn't satisfactory......you are out $$ and still need a new tank. I'd just do it right and do it one time. Buy a new tank and sending unit and check your fuel line as well. I just replaced all the brake lines on my 2000 Truck and its 43 years newer than your 57........and it doesn't have a rust spot anywhere on its sheetmetal. Fuel lines go bad too. I'd look at a new fuel line and add a replaceable inline fuel filter ....then you should be good to go for a looooooong time.

 

Another vote for Auto City. Installed one in my '54 Ranch Wagon. Direct bolt in. As HRP said, only place I found for a wagon tank.

 

Tough call Tony. Easy is a direct fit replacement and that sadly cost money. Someone said post a picture, I say yea, but that's so I can judge the underside of the car and its condition.

You got a leaky fitting that's no reason to replace a tank. I have a tank with a screw in it, it doesn't leak so I left it. Unless there is another reason, fix the leak and go back to worrying about other stuff.

 

If the tank is still in decent shape otherwise, maybe some gas tank sealer? I used the kit from Eastwood 25+ years ago. The white sealer has turned a light tan over the years, but it's held up great.

 

My tank also had the fuel supply plumbed into the drain location. I pulled the sender and the brass float crumbled into dust. I got a tank from Rock Auto, $157 in 2014. If you know the Ford tank number, it makes an easier search. I'm sure that HRP is correct, only a few of these tanks are made compared to sedan applications.

 

eBay tank fit perfect in the 59 wagon. I do agree with Jeff. Sender hold downs are not the best.

 

I’d pull the current tank and see what was done to it and if it can be fixed first.

 

I agree with 21Apickup. The tank may be fine. Replace the drain plug and put the line back where it belongs. While it is out you can make sure the tank is ok inside.

 

My new hold down worked great. I got a gasket with the tank and one with the sender. Rock Auto rocked on that order.