Anyone know of a replacement fuel tank for my '64 Wildcat? I just took it out for a drive and it was starving for fuel again. I've insalled a large fuel filter between the tank and the pump and then also between the pump and carb. I was having to replace the filter between the tank and pump every 500 miles, but now it is more like every 200 when it gets full of rust. Even with two filters the fine particles get into the carb and coat the bottom of the float bowl.
Mark: The tanks I have seen on the 63 Wildcats the I have parted out have always been clean on the inside (same tank as a 64). There is a "sock" on the bottom of the sending unit/pick up. unless it has fallen off, it would stop the flakes from being sucked up. The fuel pick up does not touch the bottom of the tank. What I may be causing the problem, is a rusted out steel fuel line. It is a steel line from the bottom of the right side fender to just above the right side of the rear axle. I have seen fuel lines that look solid but are actually paper thin. In line tube or one of those companies make the replacement 3/8 line pre-bent. It is very easy to remove the sending unit. Remove the access door from inside the trunk (on shelf, near top pump). With the sending unit removed, the opening in the top of the tank is large enough to see into. I bet it will be zinc silver. Let us know what you find. Chris
Thanks for the info Chris. Since I am planning to replace the metal and rubber fuel lines anyway I'll do as you suggested before dropping the tank. I didn't know the older cars had any filtration on the pick-up tube. Do you know if new socks are available? I'll check with Inline Tube for a prebent (maybe SS) fuel line. The tank itself seems fine from the outside. Maybe I'll get lucky?
Mark: I'm not sure if the sock is available as a replacement part. I know someone is making a new sending unit/pickup. I have seen them on eBay. I did not look at CARS yet to see if they have them. The sock is a very, very fine filter. I will post some pictures of it today. Chris
Here are the pictures of the sending unit/sock/inside of tank. The sending unit and sock still look pretty good after 49 years of service. There is some debris in the bottom of the tank, but no rust at all. This was a parts car last inspected in 1991. Chris
Hey Chris, thanks a million for the pictures and the info. I hope my tnk looks as clean. I always try to fill up after a drive and before parking my car for long periods of time. Now I have to siphon or pump out ~18 gallons of Shell premium this week to dig into it. If I am lucky I can source everything locally and have the car road ready by next weekend. I'll keep you postd on this thread.
Looks like this weekend is out, but I have made a little progress. I've emptied the tank and now need to pull the pickup/sending unit to inspect the inside of the tank. Maybe I can get to that tonight?
I guess if it were me I would send the tank out to gas tank RenU. I did this on my 61 Olds because no matter how many filters you put on they will plug up if you don't take care of what is causing it. Just another opinion. http://gastankrenu.com/
I guess if it were me I would send the tank out to gas tank RenU. I did this on my 61 Olds because no matter how many filters you put on they will plug up if you don't take care of what is causing it. Just another opinion. http://gastankrenu.com/
I removed the sending unit Thursday evening and found what looked to be a layer of silt-like rust in the bottom of the tank. As best as I can tell every surface inside the tank is covered with rust. The pickup filter is about 50% plugged with these fine rust particles. After doing some research I have decided to send the tank to a Gastankrenu dealer in PA. It seems like the only permanent solution. :TU: I've ordered a new 3/8" main fuel line from Inline Tube to have all my bases covered.
You have a problem there! I agree that this is a candidate for cleaning by a professional. I guess I have been really lucky in the 5 or so tanks that I have dropped have been perfect inside. The tank renu place looks good. Post some pics of the finished product when you get it back. Chris
Sorry for the long delay in updating the post. The tank was sent out to Moyer's Gas Tank Renu in PA. Their work was top notch and they weled on a 2" hose barb for the filler neck to convert it from an o-ring seal to a flexible hose coupling between the tank and the filler neck as shown below. I highly recommend their services. Turn-around time was 3 weeks and the cost just under $400 including welding on the hose barb. I shortened the stock filler neck, sandblasted it, and coated it with POR-15 inside and out. This, along with new metal and rubber lines completed the fuel tank repairs. It did not end my problems, however.:af:
