Gas Tank Removal Tips

[NoNeck]

This will be my first gas tank removal. I have searched the forum for tips on removing the in-cab gas tank from my 1968 C10, and it seems pretty straight forward.

I have removed all the bolts and the gas gauge wire, and I have the tank loose right now.

My question is: Should I detach the fuel line coming up the face of the tank then bend the line away from the tank enough to get it out? I will be cleaning and reusing the tank, so I don't want to damage existing gas lines.

OR, is there another fitting in the line beneath the cab that should be disconnected?

Thanks!

NoNeck

[myoldchevytruck]

remove that line from the tank. there is enough flexiblity in that line to pull it away from the tank for an easy tank removal. if you have someone helping you its really simple but you can do it yourself. have had mine in and out a few times.

good luck

[PatrickGMC70]

Yeah, there should be enough flex. Also, it may seem obvious, but try to draw down as much of the fuel as possible. That sucker is HEAVY when it's full!

[NoNeck]

That's what I thought, Harry.

I just didn't want to damage something trying to squeeze it out of there.

Thanks for the input!

Wayne (NoNeck)

[NoNeck]

PatrickGMC,

I had just poured 5 gallons of Non Ethanol 93 Octane ($4.12 per gallon) into the tank. All that fresh gasoline must have disturbed 3 years of sediment from the truck sitting in the weeds. Now I am getting trash in my clear fuel filter... I can't afford a new tank, so time to clean 'er up.

I have siphoned off most of the gas, so when my son comes up it should be a piece of cake.

Thanks!

NoNeck

[LockDoc]

Wayne,

After you remove it, take the sending unit out and get as much of the gas out as you can. If you don't have a pressure washer take it to the car wash and use the hot water and soap and wash the crap out of the inside (so to speak) then rinse it good. After you do that blow it out good with a high pressure air hose. I put a couple of bottles of Heet in mine and sloshed it around to absorb what water was left in it, dumped that out, put it back together and it worked great.

LockDoc

[68gmsee]

Sadly, after you go through all that trouble the rust will return in a few years.
I did that twice on my 68 GMC and finally had to replace the tank. Last year it developed microscopic pinholes on the bottom that were hard to see but sure could smell it.

If it's not too late here's some other tips:

Coat the rubber gasket with silicone or petroleum jelly to make it easier to slide the neck through.

Removing the seat is easier than to have to fight the tank through the back of it.

Tilt the tank up on the passenger side as you pull or if you have help, as they push on the neck.

If your seal is the original, order one from Classic Heart Beat. (scroll down) It's a GM product and won't deteriorate in a couple of years on you. Then all you need to do is cut the old one out (makes it easier to remove the tank), slide the new one in, silicone it or lube it and slip the neck back in.

[Tillik]

Where did you order your replacement tank from? LMC and Classic Industries seem solid. My local Orielly wants $274 + $60 shipping. I'm guessing its a Canadian company that makes them. I'm thinking of replacing everything to do with the gas tank to be safe. My current gas tank has so much crap/rust it in it's clogging my fuel filter etc. I just got the truck and want to get it running good for the summer.

[Tillik]

After the fuel tank upgrade I'm installing an Intake, upgrading to Hei and I want to buy a new carb.

Thanks for all the input

[magwakeenercew2jh]

Originally Posted by Tillik

What model of Demon Carb is that? After the fuel tank upgrade I'm installing an Intake, upgrading to Hei and I want to buy a new carb. Demon has a good rep and will probably buy one.

PM'd you so's not to hijack the gas tank thread.

[Lattimer]

I just bought a new spectra tank from rock auto. That was the best price I found. Installed it over the weekend in about 2 hours. Hardest part was lifting the seat in and out.

Mine has a lot of rust inside and was fouling my filter. Also was smelling a lot of gas. No smell now.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Nathans71]

My son and I removed our tank, put some phosphoric acid and water mix in. Then put a handful of roofing tacks in the tank and shook and shook. It took almost all of the garbage off the tank, inlcuding the rust. Drained, rinsed, let it dry and sealed with Eastwood tank sealer. No problems.

[Horne]

Rockauto.com has a spectra tank plus shipping is under 200.00

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by Horne

Rockauto.com has a spectra tank plus shipping is under 200.00

Good price for anyone looking for one. I bought one several years ago for $180shipped and it was the best one I've bought.

I just did a quick search and shipped to my area is $187.

[cool68]

have you checked with local radiator shops, like Chatt-Town Radiator Service, about repairing your tank?

[In The Ten Ring]

I removed my tank last summer. Here is what I did. Like you, I took off the sending unit wire and all the bolts. I used a siphon pump to remove all the fuel I could (nearly 100% of it) and I used dishwash detergent (soap?) to lube the rubber grommet. It came right out!

My tank was coated with flash rust so I took it over to a radiator shop and they "renewed" it. It's more expensive than a new aftermarket tank but it's supposed to last forever. The shop had also sandblasted the exterior so I painted it with two coats primer and two coats of "hammered" silver. I painted the neck with 4 coats of gloss black.

I taped off the end of the filler neck (very end) and the place where the sending unit locks into so that I could be sure to get a smooth seal with the new grommet. I bought a new sending unit but I haven't put it back in yet.

Before removing the tank (didn't realize what trouble I had) I unhooked all rubber (and removed it) from the entire fuel line.

I now plan to make all new fuel line myself from Poly Armour, NAPA carries that. I bought my own flaring kit, bender, and tube cutter.

The renew process is about $250.00 BUT it guarantees you better results than an aftermarket tank, according to VWNate on here. I liked his arguments and I decided to go that route over the aftermarket tank route I had originally planned on. GOOD LUCK.

[Bob B.]

Spectra makes the best tanks, no question. Have one in my truck. It is really not worth trying to repair a badly rusted tank in one of these trucks, particularly if it has holes in it.

The earlier post is right on about removal. Take the seat out, and lift the (empty!) tank from the right (passenger) side. It's pretty easy.

[twouvakind]

Originally Posted by Bob B.

Spectra makes the best tanks, no question. Have one in my truck. It is really not worth trying to repair a badly rusted tank in one of these trucks, particularly if it has holes in it.

The earlier post is right on about removal. Take the seat out, and lift the (empty!) tank from the right (passenger) side. It's pretty easy.

Spectra, yep. Check out Rock Auto...good price+fast delivery.

[TxTan]

You should put a flame job on your fuel tank:-)

[magwakeenercew2jh]

Originally Posted by TxTan

You should put a flame job on your fuel tank:-)

You mean like this?

[fisherman56]

Lmao!

[olblue1970]

I found an aftermarket gas tank for $148.88 with free shipping at the link below on Ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261384511362

I suspect maybe it isn't a Spectra tank. Anyone familiar with this vender: Bob's Classic Chevy? It's a great price, providing the tank is good quality. Any feedback appreciated.

Thanks!

[zibs71]

I have a question. I have all bolts out of tank on my 71 Chevy and the outside gromet around where u fill tank, its all loose but can't seem to get it out. It moves just a little like is there something else I need to loosen to get out. I can't see anything else but must be missing something


zibs71

[swamp rat]

Slide to the passanger side and lift at the same time to clear the hose fitting on the bottom and the filler neck.

[zibs71]

LockDoc

no fuel in tank......do I by chance have to take out the seat belt bolts¿¿

Zibs71