Another Day, Another Dollar

Finally got my '76 Electra back on the road! It sat dormant for a couple of years due to a busted transmission. I made time to get the replacement TH-400 installed, only to find that the ball-socket components of my rear CV joint on the drive shaft was broken. Got the driveshaft completely rebuilt (unexpected $253) and I was happily back on the road. God I missed this car. Got it all shined up, removing years of grim, dirt, and oxidation.

I topped off the tank on Friday, and noticed I kept smelling gasoline everywhere I went. Saturday morning, I saw THIS in the driveway. Totally derailed my plans of getting my rally wheels & new tires installed.


My 45 year old gas tank sprung a leak. No clue as to where the actual whole is...no interest in trying to repair this tank either. Replacement tank has been ordered ($246) and arrives on Wednesday.

Sidenote: The car is a blast to drive with the GM20 torque converter!

 

Are you sure the leak didn't come from one of the emission lines that vent fumes back to the carb with vacuum lines? There may even be more than one vent on your tank.

Also, show us some pics of your Electra.

 

Hmmm I have no freaking clue! I don't see the leak coming from any line. The only drip I'm seeing is coming directly from the tank itself.

 

Ray,

I just took a look at the service manual and I now see what you're referring to. I guess the tank would have to be dropped in order for me to get a look at those lines in their entirety. However, the leaking seems to be at the rear of the tank...those fuel lines run toward the front of the tank though. The car is currently park facing down a slight hill. The fuel is still dripping from the rear area of the tank.

Thanks for helping me think more about this. The advice is always appreciated here.

 

i would diagnose the leak before you get too worked up about it. although it is common for the tank to rust above the seam. its a good collection spot.

 

Pro tip - drive the car until the tank is almost empty. Then drop it to install the new tank.

 

Thanks gents.

Funny how this problem revealed itself after topping off the tank. When it sat dormant, gas level was at & below 1/4 tank and there was no evident issue. Joe, you might be on to something.

Walter, Copy that. The barge has no problem burning up gas.

For good measure, I've also ordered new tank straps and a new fuel sending unit. I think it makes sense to replace some old parts when convenient.

 

Might as well keep the progress momentum going!

Had the rallys mounted today. I've had these wheels for years...finally putting them to good use.


QUESTION: Is there a reason why the center caps would EVER need to be removed from the wheels? I'd really hate for someone to easily steal them. I'd have more peace of mind if I could glue them on.

 

In this link. look down to anti theft strap.. http://buickcenters.com/index.html


BTW that Ride rocks.... Love that color..

 

They need to be off to be balanced.

 

They can be balanced on car....They dont need to come off.. Just need to find the right machine...

 

That looks sharp!!
Patrick

 

That thing from the 60s is obsolete and probably never worked right. Ive been in well over 500 speed shops and never seen anything like it.

 

The anti theft strap.... I remember owners making them for their caps back in the early 80s.

 

I had a couple of my caps broken by a dummy that just dropped the wheels onto the balancer, knocking the caps off and cracking the medallions.

 

Thanks for the compliments and discussion.

I'll refrain from gluing them on.

Thanks!