Spectra Replacement Gas Tank from Rock Auto

[spamtank]

Folks,

Next on my list of projects is the replacement of the gas tank.    The tank that's on the car is fairly new, but it's leaking at the seam. 

I've thought about using the tank sealer, but I think I'd rather just replace the tank, given the amount of time required for the sealer process. 

Has anyone used one of the Spectra replacement tanks  (CR8B  http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=17150  )  from Rock Auto?  They have the best price I've found at about $180 with pretty reasonable shipping.

Comments or criticisms are encouraged.

Thanks,

Rick

[DocMel]

I got one for my 71  Perfect fit, sender fit fine   No complaints here   

[BIGSHCLUNK]

To my knowlege there ALL SPECTRA no matter who you get it from. Got one in NIKKI fit perfect.

[Topcat]

I plan on getting one after my car gets out of the paint shop.

I read on another thread here recently that you shouldn't top them off full since there's no expansion tank inside like the originals had. They'll overflow out the filler once it gets warmer than when you filled it.

[Super Blue 72]

To my knowlege there ALL SPECTRA no matter who you get it from. Got one in NIKKI fit perfect.

   Chris knows!  Check the stock number for a tank from different vendors, most likely will be the same part number.

I replaced my tank with a Spectra from Rock Auto.  Look for a discount code.  You cane enter "Rock Auto discount code" in a Google search.  I think I paid like $155 for it.  Don't throw away the old lock ring.  Some folks say the old ones work better than the new ones for some reason.

[spamtank]

Thanks guys.  Appreciate all the good feedback.  I like the discount code search.  I use that a lot.

[LAA66]

  Chris knows!  Check the stock number for a tank from different vendors, most likely will be the same part number.

I replaced my tank with a Spectra from Rock Auto.  Look for a discount code.  You cane enter "Rock Auto discount code" in a Google search.  I think I paid like $155 for it.  Don't throw away the old lock ring.  Some folks say the old ones work better than the new ones for some reason.

 I found the factory lock ring with the three detents worked better to locate and secure the sender. The special spanner tool is a good idea also.

[burdar]

I'm pretty sure there are two different companies making tanks.  The Spectra tank is the good one.  I've seen the other brand of tanks and they are painted...not a natural look like the Spectra tanks.  You can't beat RockAuto's price either.

[72bluNblu]

I plan on getting one after my car gets out of the paint shop.

I read on another thread here recently that you shouldn't top them off full since there's no expansion tank inside like the originals had. They'll overflow out the filler once it gets warmer than when you filled it.

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.

[burdar]

The 72-74 tanks didn't have an expansion tank on the inside from the factory.  That's what the vapor separator was for.  The four vent lines on those tanks just run to each corner of the tank.  If your car originally had an expansion tank then yes, you shouldn't fill it all the way.

[hooD]

I cleaned up my lock ring and ground strap and reused them when I had the sending unit out last summer.

[spamtank]

I cleaned up my lock ring and ground strap and reused them when I had the sending unit out last summer.

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

[Super Blue 72]

Anyone have any advice for Rick as to removing the filler neck from the old tank?   

I remember I had the tank unstrapped and was fighting like mad to pull it out.  I think I hit just the right angle then it slid out but up to that point it was a bitter battle.

Is it better to remove the filler tube with the tank still strqpped onto the car?   

[burdar]

The filler tube won't come out if the tank is still strapped inplace.  Spray the tube and seal with some penetrating oil and let it work in.  That should loosen things up.

[Grec]

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.

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.