Buying a New Gas Tank-Opinions?

[thefraze_1020]

My truck desperately needs a new gas tank, longbed single 20 gallon. So give me some feedback, is it better to find a used original one, or have you guys had success with LMC and/or Brothers tanks?

It's always nice to get some product feedback before I drop $100+ on something.

[old Rusty C10]

I did mine several years ago and did a post about it somewhere, I shopped around ( mine has the long dual ones) They are all basically the same product there is probably only one manufacturer the rest are just distributors. I found the best price at the time was through advance auto parts and when I did the tank I also did the float assembly so I got the whole thing as a package for like $120. When I couldn't find replacement tank cushions I used roofing felt and I also bought the tank straps.. My truck the mounts were good the straps were shot when I tried to remove them. If I can find some pics I will post later

[79 silverado]

There is more than one manufacturer for the gas tanks, and they are different...

I would recommend the Spectra Premium brand for the gas tanks. They were an OEM supplier for various GM products among others, most of the gas tanks are made in canada (not true for their radiators anymore however) and the quality of the stampings and fit/finish is excellent in my experiences. I've used their products for all my replacement gas tanks, started to in the early 2000s when I learned they were the original supplier for my g-body Regal.

For the nominal cost I typically upgrade to a baffed unit to keep flexibility in case I ever change a fuel delivery system, although I will say that the new tanks no longer contain the plastic baffles, they use metal ones now.

[notallthere]

Check with OReilly's or what ever part store that you use they are probably a better price for a fuel tank.

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/se...6&keyword=tank

Also just get the Spectra ones as from the rumours going around the same plant that makes the tanks for spectra also makes them for several companies here.

[68post]

I got one at RockAuto and with shipping it was within a few dollars of me driving to another county (50 miles roundtrip) for the cheapest price.

[Gumby]

$100 is a good deal if thats the price, a no brainer if you ask me.

took forever to find one for my Buick under $300, and its an 80, should be a dime a dozen.

[thefraze_1020]

Well Brothers has one on sale for $100 right now. I'm just wondering if that's a decent tank?

[Tx Firefighter]

I can do you better than Brothers. I cataloged a fuel tank for an 84 model C20, 20 gallon tank.

SPECTRA PREMIUM / COOLING DEPOT Part # GM1B

Rockauto.

delivered to Mount Vernon Washington (98273)

use my discount code...2068269818497147

price, with shipping included, to your door is 100.95 total



or, Amazon

Amazon.com: Spectra Premium GM1B Fuel Tank for...
70.70 with free shipping





or,ebay, 70.88 delivered...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Spectra-Prem...item5d46fa6008



.

[Jonboy]

I just bought a Spectra from Rock Auto. It showed up in two days, and was a really nice piece. Made in Canada, too.

[Tx Firefighter]

Originally Posted by Jonboy

I just bought a Spectra from Rock Auto. It showed up in two days, and was a really nice piece. Made in Canada, too.

Same here.



I did get their new sending unit at the same time too. I will say it is kind of jerky compared to a GM unit. Normal driving swings the gauge more than I care for.

[notallthere]

Why a lot of Canadians shop in the United States for car parts. Made in Canada too.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/sp...p.0237121.html

[clapage6]

The only problem i had with my spectra is the seam was a bit wider and didn't have enough of a bend where the straps go to re-use my factory straps..... I just had to bend the seam a little bit where the straps went over them though, no biggie at all.

[Tx Firefighter]

Originally Posted by clapage6

The only problem i had with my spectra is the seam was a bit wider and didn't have enough of a bend where the straps go to re-use my factory straps..... I just had to bend the seam a little bit where the straps went over them though, no biggie at all.

I forgot about that. I had to use a mallet to slightly flatten the flange so my straps would work.

[Squareforceone]

just curious does anyone make plastic tanks for these?

[thefraze_1020]

So a Spectra is the way to go, eh?

So when you guys typically replace your tank, what else to you have to replace? I haven't gotten up in there yet, so I have no idea what everything looks like.

Do you have to get new straps? Mounting pads? My fuel gauge appears to be working, so the sender is probably OK...

[thefraze_1020]

Originally Posted by notallthere

Why a lot of Canadians shop in the United States for car parts. Made in Canada too.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/sp...p.0237121.html

Geez, no kidding! I live about 45 min away from the border. We get tons of Canadians down here shopping. But for whatever reason, they don't like the Bellingham Wal Mart, and keep coming south to go to Mount Vernon. Look on a map, you'll see that Bellingham is right by the border.

[Rich84]

I just started to look around on prices for gas tanks yesterday...For some reason the sending unit at Rockauto was over $100 (87 FI) Everywhere else it was around $59.00.

[thefraze_1020]

I think I'll probably get the Spectra tank off Amazon. That's about 1/2 of the price of an LMC tank.

Thanks Kevin, that helps a lot!

[Tx Firefighter]

You're welcome Cameron. I don't buy much from places like Borthers or LMC. All they do is resell most parts anyway. Might as well get the same thing from a giant like Amazon or Rockauto at a huge discount.

[dieseldawg142]

bought mine at jc whitney, dual tanks & straps, $240.
there a $100 right now with free shipping & another 10% off that, promo deal.
mine were spectra tanks with the often mentioned hammer the flange down to fit the straps
http://www.jcwhitney.com/replacement...257y1985g703j1

[old Rusty C10]

the advance auto parts tank is spectra

[donut]

Originally Posted by Squareforceone

just curious does anyone make plastic tanks for these?

http://www.mtscompany.com/

I had the plastic for my '73, not sure if this is the company but I think so. Being as it was a plow truck and driven in every winter storm, IMO worth it.

[Zane M]

Originally Posted by Squareforceone

just curious does anyone make plastic tanks for these?

As stated above, plastic is available. Unfortunately you can't get one baffled, if it matters to you(fuel injected preference).