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07-02-2008, 09:39 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Queensland, Australia
Posts: 1,069
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Rusty Fuel Tank - Fix Or Replace???
I have been restoring my chev for years... obviously it takes a while.
For the past 3 years it has been at a paint shop waiting for an auto electrician... but it is nearly out. This week when we flushed the tanks and tried to get her running again... I found that the tank behind the seat is filled with a dirty gunk on the bottom and the filler spout is very rusty. Is there a way I can clean it up or should I order a new one and wait another 3 months to get her on the road? I would prefer to get her out as quick as possible if I can. |
07-02-2008, 09:48 PM | #2 |
Nothing to see here.....
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Shawnee, KS
Posts: 4,625
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Re: Rusty Fuel Tank - Fix Or Replace???
first off, Welcome to the forum! nice to have you aboard!
if it was me, I would buy a new tank. BUT from your info, your in Queensland, right? in that case, getting a tank might take a while if there's no restoration part warehouses in Australia. you can try a product called Creme that is usually sold at motorcycle shops. but you have to remove the tank, thoroughly clean it, etch it, then you can coat it. it takes a while and it still may not be perfect. to get your truck on the road, you may just put 2 filters in line, run it, change the filters, and repeat UNTIL you get a new tank. good luck!
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Doug THANK YOU to our American Soldiers & Veterans - POW MIA "You will NEVER be forgotten". The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. Thomas Jefferson Last edited by tcb-1; 07-02-2008 at 09:52 PM. |
07-02-2008, 09:51 PM | #3 |
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Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Bonne Terre, Mo
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Re: Rusty Fuel Tank - Fix Or Replace???
There is a product used to recoat, clean & treat a tank. Someone will know the brand. After my truck sat for 10 years I just emptied the tank, swished new fuel around & it was clean after that. Then after a few days I replaced the filter both in-line & in the carb. But they were decent. Hardest was redoing all the brake lines & wheel cylinders the brake fluid doesn't like to sit that long. Good Luck.
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'69 Chevy Long Fleet & '71 GMC Short Step & Project "ODD BALL" "You can wash a pig, soak it in most expensive perfume. In the end it is still just a pig." ODD BALL build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478629" |
07-02-2008, 10:00 PM | #4 |
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Location: Queensland, Australia
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Re: Rusty Fuel Tank - Fix Or Replace???
Thanx Lads,
I hadn't thought of brake fluid. I will order one and while I wait I will clean it as best I can and see if I can get it on the road. I do have an auxilliary tank so I can always use it until the new one arrives. What else have I forgotten? Fuel, oil, brakes... is it really just a full service? |
07-02-2008, 10:07 PM | #5 |
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Location: Queensland, Australia
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Re: Rusty Fuel Tank - Fix Or Replace???
A quick thought... Can I replace the fuel tank with one that doesn't sit behind the seat to give me more cab room?
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07-02-2008, 10:10 PM | #6 |
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Re: Rusty Fuel Tank - Fix Or Replace???
Only other thing is tires & watch for dry rotting. Yea brake fluid & condensation love each other. Try rinsing that tank several times & flush the M/C & brake system and keep an eye on leaking wheel cyl or pulling to one side.
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'69 Chevy Long Fleet & '71 GMC Short Step & Project "ODD BALL" "You can wash a pig, soak it in most expensive perfume. In the end it is still just a pig." ODD BALL build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478629" |
07-02-2008, 10:13 PM | #7 |
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Re: Rusty Fuel Tank - Fix Or Replace???
Blazer tank under the bed but with a bench seat you don't gain room really unless you need storage space.
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'69 Chevy Long Fleet & '71 GMC Short Step & Project "ODD BALL" "You can wash a pig, soak it in most expensive perfume. In the end it is still just a pig." ODD BALL build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478629" |
07-02-2008, 10:23 PM | #8 |
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Location: Queensland, Australia
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Re: Rusty Fuel Tank - Fix Or Replace???
I am putting in buckets to replace the bench... I could use the storage but under the tray is a little sparse on room too. I may have to keep it where it is.
I would like to put some weight under the tray though to improve the ride... I will have to play with it. Thanx for your input guys. |
07-03-2008, 01:23 AM | #9 |
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Location: Stanwood, WA, 98292
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Re: Rusty Fuel Tank - Fix Or Replace???
You may think this is crazy...but it worked great on my motorcycle.
I took my bike's tank off after it sat for over 5 years and its insides were rusted. I plugged the drain and filled the sucker with Coke (the cola variety, not the nose candy). You should have seen the rust start to dissolve on contact. I let it sit for 1 day and occasionally shook the tank. I drained and rinsed with H2O, swished some acetone inside to get rid of the water residue and then reattached the tank. The best and easiest I have ever rid myself of rust. (This is after I tried the whole "motorcycle rust repair products" that ended up clogging my tank when I tried to apply its final coating). Last edited by telly; 07-03-2008 at 01:24 AM. |
07-03-2008, 06:14 AM | #10 |
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Location: Queensland, Australia
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Re: Rusty Fuel Tank - Fix Or Replace???
It holds 80L... that is a lot of coke to swish around. But I will give it a go. It is not as if it is any good for drinking without the whiskey in it anyway.
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07-03-2008, 09:20 AM | #11 |
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Location: Bonne Terre, Mo
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Re: Rusty Fuel Tank - Fix Or Replace???
Ahh another man who knows what to do with coke-a-cola..goes just great with any blended wiskey or scotch. KUDOS and good luck let us know how you tackle your problem & the results.
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'69 Chevy Long Fleet & '71 GMC Short Step & Project "ODD BALL" "You can wash a pig, soak it in most expensive perfume. In the end it is still just a pig." ODD BALL build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478629" |
07-03-2008, 11:19 AM | #12 | |
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Re: Rusty Fuel Tank - Fix Or Replace???
Quote:
I have in fact used Coke to take surface rust of my rear floor board in my '80 Camaro - just poured it in and let it sit, rinsed, and lightly sanded. Worked like a dream. Hope you have a similar experience. Good luck. PS - why the heck would you ruin whiskey by adding coke? Last edited by telly; 07-03-2008 at 11:22 AM. |
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07-03-2008, 11:38 AM | #13 |
1970 Daily Driver
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Glenns Ferry IDAHO
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Re: Rusty Fuel Tank - Fix Or Replace???
Muriatic acid used to clean bricks and etch concrete works amazingly well and is relatively cheep. I got two gallons from home depot and have only used on gallon and have taken care of 5 or 6 motercycle tanks. Just dump it in and rotate the tank every half hour or so to get all sides. You can use a length of Cain if there is some rust that needs to be broken up. Then rinse with water. Then use asatone or MEK to dry out the water. Then I recommend using a product called Red- Kote to seal the tank from future rust. This process is easy and works great.
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It's not truly yours if you didn't build it yourself or if you don't do your own maintenance. |
07-03-2008, 05:29 PM | #14 |
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Location: Queensland, Australia
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Re: Rusty Fuel Tank - Fix Or Replace???
Alrighty lads,
One: what is Cain? Two: How many litres to a Gallon? Three: Sammy did you imply that I was a man? Four: Telly; in Australia we rarely if ever drink straight spirits... I do occasionally but mostly only with liquers. I will try it out this week... let you know how it goes... the fuel tank and the drinking straight whiskey. Hell, I will try anything twice. |
07-03-2008, 05:36 PM | #15 | |
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Location: Stanwood, WA, 98292
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Re: Rusty Fuel Tank - Fix Or Replace???
Quote:
2) 3.785 liters per 1 gallon 4) Rarely drink it straight...just cut it with a little water and ice. Doesn't mask the flavor, just softens the bite. Keep us posted.
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1970 C10 Stepside 1980 Camaro Berlinetta 1972 C20 Flatbed Last edited by telly; 07-03-2008 at 05:38 PM. |
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07-03-2008, 05:49 PM | #16 |
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Location: Southern Cal
Posts: 20,016
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Re: Rusty Fuel Tank - Fix Or Replace???
If you want to restore your old tank, use POR 15...they make a complete kit with instructions to get it done right the first time.
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07-03-2008, 11:11 PM | #17 | |
upgrading to an older model
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sacramento, KY
Posts: 346
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Re: Rusty Fuel Tank - Fix Or Replace???
Quote:
I'm in the same boat with the rusty/varnish smelling tank so I'm gonna try some of these and save buying a new tank. Thanks
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68 stepside, short-box, multi-colored (for now) Last edited by Brock; 07-03-2008 at 11:13 PM. |
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07-07-2008, 01:16 PM | #18 |
Living In The Past
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Rockies
Posts: 709
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Re: Rusty Fuel Tank - Fix Or Replace???
radiator shop should be able to boil and seal it. I would check that cost against new. Shipping there has to be a killer. I saved a number of old tractor fuel tanks like that.
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07-07-2008, 04:10 PM | #19 |
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Location: Bonne Terre, Mo
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Re: Rusty Fuel Tank - Fix Or Replace???
It didn't register @ first. Accept my apology plezz. (Good Pic)
Some good things come from down under. Wagga Wagga has good wiskey & plenty of good coke for your tanks..
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'69 Chevy Long Fleet & '71 GMC Short Step & Project "ODD BALL" "You can wash a pig, soak it in most expensive perfume. In the end it is still just a pig." ODD BALL build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478629" |
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