gas tank cleaning and dilemma - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Brad · 04-23-2003, 09:11 PM

I recently acquired 2 in bed style gas tanks for free the problem is that they're both rusty inside-enough so that I need to get them cleaned out.
I called 3 radiator shops and got quotes ranging from $15/ea, $40/ea, $60/ea or more on this last one as they say that they might have to cut it and clean it out if the chemicals didn't get it all out.
I've never done this and I'm not sure what to do. I certainly don't want to deal with rust going through the fuel lines, but should I really spend the $$$ on the expensive place? You guys that have dealt with this: what do you recommend based on experience?
Afterthought: should I go with the cheap place and get a Por-15 fuel tank coating kit?

**PICKMUP** · 04-23-2003, 10:18 PM

I just wouldn't spend any money on a rusty tank. It is probably about ready to rust THROUGH in a few spots. They are notorious for that. Good clean tanks are everywhere & cheap. If it was a rare tank for an odd vehicle maybe the effort & cost would be necessary but...they are everywhere! Throw those rusty tanks away---even if they were free. Buy a clean tank and don't waste your money.

cdowns · 04-23-2003, 10:26 PM

i pretty much agree with pickemup it would be worth cleaning if it was only gum and or varnish but rust ?? there's plenty of these tanks around usually for well under $50

busterwivell · 04-23-2003, 10:40 PM

In bed tanks or in cab tanks?

Longhorn Man · 04-23-2003, 11:37 PM

The rad guys at work say that onless you cut it open...you are just putting off the rust...it will end up coming up and clogging your filters.

04-23-2003, 09:11 PM	#1
Brad Out of the carpool lane. Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clark Co, WA Posts: 5,672	gas tank cleaning and dilemma I recently acquired 2 in bed style gas tanks for free the problem is that they're both rusty inside-enough so that I need to get them cleaned out. I called 3 radiator shops and got quotes ranging from $15/ea, $40/ea, $60/ea or more on this last one as they say that they might have to cut it and clean it out if the chemicals didn't get it all out. I've never done this and I'm not sure what to do. I certainly don't want to deal with rust going through the fuel lines, but should I really spend the $$$ on the expensive place? You guys that have dealt with this: what do you recommend based on experience? Afterthought: should I go with the cheap place and get a Por-15 fuel tank coating kit? __________________ 1968 C-10 SWB, 5.7 Vortec/700R4/3.73 posi, Torch Red 1968 Camaro, 250/Powerglide, all original (No, I'm not gonna drop a 350 in it!...Jeez!) 2000 Honda VFR in the faster yellow! 2008 Husqvarna TE-610 1967 C-10 SWB 'Six Appeal'-Gone but not forgotten...

04-23-2003, 10:18 PM	#2
PICKMUP "Trucks with Class" Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: OLYMPIA, WA, USA Posts: 8,159	I just wouldn't spend any money on a rusty tank. It is probably about ready to rust THROUGH in a few spots. They are notorious for that. Good clean tanks are everywhere & cheap. If it was a rare tank for an odd vehicle maybe the effort & cost would be necessary but...they are everywhere! Throw those rusty tanks away---even if they were free. Buy a clean tank and don't waste your money. __________________ Email: frankeham@comcast.net Phone: 360-956-7170

04-23-2003, 10:26 PM	#3
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	i pretty much agree with pickemup it would be worth cleaning if it was only gum and or varnish but rust ?? there's plenty of these tanks around usually for well under $50 __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

04-23-2003, 10:40 PM	#4
busterwivell Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Sahuarita, AZ USA Posts: 2,033	In bed tanks or in cab tanks? __________________ Bill - Tucson, AZ 47 Chevrolet 2 dr sedan 56 Chevrolet 210 2 dr sedan 66 Chevrolet Malibu 2 dr 4 speed 71 Chevrolet C30 Longhorn 86 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS (Sold) 01 Chevrolet Tahoe IM - BUSTERWIVE@aol.com

04-23-2003, 11:37 PM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	The rad guys at work say that onless you cut it open...you are just putting off the rust...it will end up coming up and clogging your filters.



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