Good morning. I have a few questions on how to proceed with my fuel tank. When we got the truck the tank was empty/dry. No clue on how long it had been that way or if it has leaks, etc. We pulled it out recently and you can hear some stuff rattling around in there. I called a local radiator shop and they said they would boil/pressure test it for around $110. Not sure if that includes "sealing" or not. I've done a lot of research or products like POR to clean/seal tanks. We are in the Phoenix area so extreme heat is our concern, not cold. What would be the cheapest way to go to get the tank clean and not have a ton of issues down the road? Next question is the fuel sending unit. It was pretty roached out. The truck was converted to 12v at one time but still has old wiring etc. Does it matter what type of unit I buy? Any recommendations? Lastly, the tank didn't have any "shut off" valve on the bottom. Just a bent tube that screwed in and then ran to the fuel line. I have looked in a few catalogs but don't seem to see any shut off valves etc. Any recommendations on what to use? Thanks in advance!
I have also thought about these same things. My tank is *probably* ok, and I found the cost to be $100+ to have cleaned. I am just going to order a new tank, new sender unit from the host. The tank is like $150 new. And I do not plan to have it lined. With a new tank, there is no reason to. Plus, if it isnt done correctly, it can peel in the tank and create all kinds of nightmares. I'm going to spend a little extra for the piece of mind. If I remember right, Joe (MotherTrucker) and others posted their thoughts just recently on fuel tanks too. https://talk.classicparts.com/showthread.php?t=17692&highlight=tank
I've heard nothing but bad from the new tanks. Thin walled, leak prone. I was leaning that route until I started seeing all the negative reviews.
Fuel tank 1952 A good morning to you to . Ok now lets see now; Remove the sending unit and clean your tank with just hot pressure water ( use protection wear) . Turn it upside down and let it dry in your sunny climate. When done thouroughly inspect the inside wall for rust with a bright light and a flexible Mirror. Have it pressure tested. NB ! Do not use any of the fuel tank sealing chemicals as many of the products do not keep what they pomise. If there are any leaks its posseble to weld the seams/edges. If the walls are thin or very rusty i would`nt bather to weld them. These tanks dont have any shut of valves as far as i know only a fuel sender unit. Our host sells these and the gasket you need. Replace your tank when the rust is taking overhand. Make a Call to some vendors and ask about the new quality and price . Mine comes from Brothers trucks and there is nothing wrong with it. 12 volt and old wiring? ; I would check out the wiring system bit fore bit to prevent electrical problems . Have a cut of switcher installed to cut the el. system of when not using your truck inside the cabin ! Good Luck Martinius.
I would buy a new tank from our host for $150 before I paid $110 + to have any local knucklehead's boil,weld & try to seal up a nasty old leaking tank. http://www.classicparts.com/1949-54-Gas-Tank/productinfo/23-923/
