New Gas Tank: What Sealer/Coating Do I Use to Keep it Looking New?

Discussion in 'The Bench' started by drspencer, Oct 7, 2016.

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  1. drspencer

    drspencer Well-Known Member

    Putting a new gas tank in my '71 GS 350.

    What can I put on this new tank to keep it looking new?

    Anything else I should do/replace while I'm in the neighborhood?

    Thanks
     
    drspencer, Oct 7, 2016
    #1
  2. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    Its coated in Terne so it doesn't need anything done to it-

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terne

    All you really need to do is wipe it down with a rag and some WD-40 occasionally to get the dirt off.
     
    CJay, Oct 7, 2016
    #2
  3. drspencer

    drspencer Well-Known Member

    Good to know.

    The last tank I bought from Year One began to discolor in certain spots after ~4 years.

    Should I be getting this tank from a different vendor? I imagine they all come from the same manufacturer.

    What else should I be replacing (sending unit, sock/screen, etc)?

    Thanks, once more.
     
    drspencer, Oct 7, 2016
    #3
  4. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    Gas tanks aren't all the same. There are different manufacturers. The tank to buy is made by Spectra Premium. The best price I found on one was from Rock Auto.

    If your going to have the tank down, replace the sender. The new sender comes with a new sock. Leave your factory straps, the OE ones are much better than any repro made
     
    CJay, Oct 8, 2016
    #4
  5. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

    I sprayed mine with UV protectant clear and used the roof repair stuff lots of folks use for sound deadener as the pad between the tank and body.

    I agree on replacing the sending unit as it is cheap and makes sure you have good results with your new tank.
     
    knucklebusted, Oct 8, 2016
    #5
  6. deluxe68

    deluxe68 Well-Known Member

    Board member Patton, "pglade" sells gas tank pads if your in need of one.
    He has a thread under the repo parts forum.
    I took Jason's advise about the straps, I just cleaned & re painted my originals.
     
    deluxe68, Oct 8, 2016
    #6
  7. redsixty9

    redsixty9 Platinum Level Contributor

    Just throwing this out there. I bought several gas tanks from Autocity Classics never had a problem with any of them. They sell a zinc coated $99, ni-terne coated $129. We just finished a Chevelle and put their stainless tank for $225 in it and wow! Looks killer. I don't think I have pictures but I wish put one in my GS and maybe will. They ship super fast. I usually get what I order the next day here just out side Chicago. Great radiators too.
     
    redsixty9, Oct 8, 2016
    #7
  8. racenu

    racenu Well-Known Member

    You could also powder coat it, however if you do, use a colour that doesn't need a lot of heat if it's going in the oven. Gord
     
    racenu, Oct 8, 2016
    #8
  9. rogbo

    rogbo Gold Level Contributor

    Definitely agree with new sender, and also do any hoses and clamps you find.
    Ethanol has a bad effect on the inside of the hoses.
     
    rogbo, Oct 8, 2016
    #9
  10. drspencer

    drspencer Well-Known Member

    Ordering the Spectra Premium tank & sending unit.

    Do I need a 'fuel tank sending unit lock ring removal tool' (https://www.yearone.com/Product/1964-72-skylark-gs/fs513) to complete the job?

    Thanks
     
    drspencer, Oct 9, 2016
    #10
  11. knucklebusted

    knucklebusted Well-Known Member

    I didn't. I just tapped it in with a screwdriver on different ears and worked it tight without much issue.
     
    knucklebusted, Oct 9, 2016
    #11
  12. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    As Greg said, you can use a screwdriver or a brass punch and work the ring around. The tool does make it a lot easier though
     
    CJay, Oct 9, 2016
    #12
  13. drspencer

    drspencer Well-Known Member

    The Spectre GM34H from Rock Auto has the capacity listed as only 17 US gallons.

    A stock '71 GS tank is 20 US gallons.

    Can anyone comment?

    Thanks
     
    drspencer, Oct 9, 2016
    #13
  14. afracer

    afracer Well-Known Member

    Most of the aftermarket tanks out there seem to be rated at 17 gallons, with a few being 20. The Spectre one I got is 20; but it's their EFI tank. Either way I say go with the 20 for sure!
     
    afracer, Oct 13, 2016
    #14
  15. drspencer

    drspencer Well-Known Member

    I bought the Spectre GM34H tank.

    What number tank do you have that's rated at 20 gallons?

    Thanks
     
    drspencer, Oct 13, 2016
    #15
  16. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    Depends how theyre measuring it. A stock 71 Skylark/ GS tank is 17 Imperial gallons or 20 US gallons
     
    CJay, Oct 13, 2016
    #16
  17. drspencer

    drspencer Well-Known Member

    Rock Auto lists the tank as holding 17 US Gallons.
     
    drspencer, Oct 13, 2016
    #17
  18. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    I would have to assume that its a typo then. There aren't different sizes of tanks. Think about how much space 3 gallons occupies. Where on the tank do they reduce its size so it only takes 17 gallons and still manages to be the same size as the old 20 gallon tank and still fit? Doesn't make sense to me

    There is only one size tank in my opinion regardless if they list it as 17 or 20 gallons. I would need to see definitive proof its smaller than 20 US gallons
     
    CJay, Oct 14, 2016
    #18
  19. drspencer

    drspencer Well-Known Member

    Those were my thoughts, as well.

    Regardless, I ordered the tank you suggested. I'm sure it will be fine.

    Thanks
     
    drspencer, Oct 14, 2016
    #19
  20. afracer

    afracer Well-Known Member

    I got GM34HFI. It's no different it seems probably than what you ordered except it has an EFI pump inside, not sure if it's worth the extra $ or not as I'm not even putting the tiny pump on that it came with; upgrading it to a Walbro 450 lph E85 compatible pump. My only wish is that they made the hole for the pump and sender bigger around. It's hard to maneuver the pump in and out.
     
    afracer, Oct 15, 2016
    #20
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