Spectra Replacement Gas Tank from Rock Auto

[RB2929]

Spam Tank,
will you be replacing all the fuel lines as well?
- Tank to carb

[spamtank]

Spam Tank,
will you be replacing all the fuel lines as well?
- Tank to carb

Well,

I wasn't planning on that change out during this winter refurb cycle.  I have a new set of leaf springs and the gas tank to replace in the next 2 months.  Most of the car is remarkably free of rust.  So I was going to put the fuel lines and brake lines off for one more summer.  Maybe pick them up at Carlisle this year.

What are your thoughts?

[Topcat]

Ain't that the truth. Pumping gas into an old car with one of those CA nozzles is not exactly a graceful exercise. Having a flip-top makes it even worse as half the time, the nozzle gets stuck in the frickin thing.

I broke the nozzle tube off into my gas tank back in the late eighties. They changed the design since then. Shouldn't happen now.

[72bluNblu]

Ain't that the truth. Pumping gas into an old car with one of those CA nozzles is not exactly a graceful exercise. Having a flip-top makes it even worse as half the time, the nozzle gets stuck in the frickin thing.

  I love it when the stupid rubber boot gets caught in the flip top bracket. Sooooo much fun. People must wonder why I stand next to my car holding the handle of the gas nozzle the whole time. It would be nice to engage the handle lock and actually let go of the nozzle. But I would totally settle for not getting the nozzle stuck in the flip cap. 

I broke the nozzle tube off into my gas tank back in the late eighties. They changed the design since then. Shouldn't happen now.

Yeah the filler tube's are a bear to get out. But a broken one? I'm impressed Mike. 

[hooD]

I try to keep/reuse as much of the original parts as possible.  So this is good advice.  Were you able to get a good electrical connection with the ground strap?

I appreciate everyone's feedback.  This has been a very helpful thread for me.

Thanks

Rick

Yes, the 40 year old ground strap provided an excellent ground for the sending unit.  I applied a light coating of dielectric grease to where it made contact at.

[GranCuda1970]

Everyone from OREGON and some in NEW JERSEY just got lost at everything that was said here about pumpin gas!!

[brads70]

This is accurate. I have a Spectra tank, no real complaints, its a good quality tank. But I did notice that if you fill the tank completely, you'll end up with fuel in the vent lines (on cars with carbon canisters). My '71/'72 tank has the 4 lines on the side, the hoses that go out to the vents etc do end up with fuel in them if you really top off the tank.

But, given the way that the gas station nozzles here in CA work with the filler its not the best idea to top off the tank anyway, since that usually leads to fuel on the paint at the filler too.

I just checked and see only 1 part # for a 70 Challenger. What if your car has CA emmissions? Is the tank different?   I'm thinking of getting a new one at some point as I want to weld in a return line for a FI set up.

[Topcat]

Yeah the filler tube's are a bear to get out. But a broken one? I'm impressed Mike. 

It was somewhat intentional. I lost my cool one day trying to get the damn nozzle to free up.

[72bluNblu]

I just checked and see only 1 part # for a 70 Challenger. What if your car has CA emmissions? Is the tank different?   I'm thinking of getting a new one at some point as I want to weld in a return line for a FI set up.

I know that there were differences in the later model tanks as far as emissions stuff goes. The one I have is for a '71, as my '72 was a 8/71 build and had a '71 tank. But it still has 4 lines coming off the side that run to various vents and the charcoal canister.

But, as far as a return line goes, most of the new, larger than stock diameter sending units have a return line built into them. My 3/8" sending unit does, I've had to block it twice to keep it from leaking, as I don't run a return line with my mechanical pump.

[GranCuda1970]

I broke the nozzle tube off into my gas tank back in the late eighties. They changed the design since then. Shouldn't happen now.

 I bet this sound came out of thin air at that time.
   

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaoXinc8kQE

[spamtank]

Thanks for the input everyone.     Ordered the tank from Rock Auto and it arrived 2 days later.  Can't beat that service.

Finishing up the springs at the moment.  Then I'll be installing the tank next.  I'll give the penetrating oil a try on the fill tube, appreciate that advice.  I'm sure there will be some sort of struggle involved here.  There always is.

Only bummer is that the tank and straps I'm replacing were painted black, and I want to leave the new tank natural finish.  So I'll have to strip the straps somehow.  Wait, I'll use brake fluid or brake cleaner.  That always seems to remove any type of paint it touches.   

[LAA66]

 Mine had a problem at the sender gasket that was quite bothersome. As a suggestion, do not topoff the new tank until you know the seal is OK. Around 8 or 9 gallons should fill to the gasket and show a leak.  (depending how the car is sitting.) Also a good time to check your new sender float for accuracy.

[spamtank]

As a suggestion, do not topoff the new tank until you know the seal is OK. Around 8 or 9 gallons should fill to the gasket and show a leak.  (depending how the car is sitting.) Also a good time to check your new sender float for accuracy.

Thanks.  That's a great hint.  The tank I'm replacing leaked at the seam.  I filled it up at the pump only to find it pouring out on the concrete pad.  I drove a half a block to my house and put some catch pans underneath while I went to Home Depot to buy a siphon and a few gas cans.  I will be very cautious when I do this.

Is it possible to change the sending unit with the tank installed, or must it be dropped?     Presently, I don't plan to replace the sending unit.  But if someone tells me that you have to drop the tank, then I may as well do it now.  Just have to find a way to have another  part delivered to the house with out the wife finding out.   

[Chryco Psycho]

the sender can be swapped with the tank in place , you may need to lower the exhaust if it is close

[LAA66]

 Also had to siphon fuel out a couple of times, luckily noticed the problem at the garage and not at the gas station. That must have been a panic situation:scared:

 No, you shouldn't need a new sender, I had replaced the working original (upgraded to 3/8") at the time. (More time to plan your next secret delivery without the wife finding out.  )