I'm Going To Replace The Fuel Tank On My 1972 Chevelle. Any Do's And Don'ts. Any Suggestions On Where To Purchase It? I Want To Keep The Steel Look, Should I Clear Coat It Or Put Anything On It To Preserve The Look??

Rock Auto has them, though I got mine from Auto City Classics since they are a client. Both use Spectra brand.

As already mentioned get a Spectra or get one made by Quanta Products (they may sell Spectra or may make their own). In either case you are getting a nice tank. On another site I frequent, one guy had a real horror story to tell when he bought one for an Olds off of Ebay. Tried to save a few bucks and ended up with a tank that was painted.

The "good" tanks like Spectra and Quanta are made of a specific steel that resists rusting like the originals were. Naturally, this stuff isn't bullet proof but considering the abuse these "raw" tanks took underneath our cars over the years it's amazing they hold up as long as they do.

I don't know if clearcoating would help or stick that well, you could wipe the tank down with a LOT of wax and grease remover and spray a satin clear on it. The new tanks have a slightly oily/slimy coating on them (probably from the stamping/manufacturing process) and it will take a lot of wiping to get the surface oil free. Just don't SCUFF the finish or use anything harsh to prep it like SOS pads, Scotchbrite pads, etc.

Not worth saving a few bucks here on an "overseas" made tank.

On the gas tank straps....yours MAY look bad but they were originally plated and you may find that after a light beadblasting the underlying metal isn't really too bad looking. Get them zinc plated or shoot them with your choice of paints and they may be just fine. Repros also available but I tried to install some from Year One this summer and found they were way too short to be used with the original bolts that go up to the mounting points on at the front of the tank. Maybe if you use whatever long bolts they sell (if they do) to mount their straps they will work but we were using all original fasteners in this case. Additionally, the straps were thinner guage metal (compared to the originals) and appeared not to be plated...just bare steel.

You can also get nice stainless straps from some suppliers or just take one of yours to a local metal supplier and have them cut some stainless strips for you....easy enough to put the bends and bolt holes in yourself.

Yep, get the good stuff. I went full tilt and got a Rock Valley stainless steel tank. It is excellent except for it needs baffles to prevent air coming into the lines..other than that it looks as good as it did when I opened the box.

Ron

After recieving two new re-pro tanks with rust problems I decided to order one from Quanta and am very satisfied.

I have a Quanta tank that I got from a seller on e-bay called TAMRAZ, and i really like it.. Still looks brand new after a year under the car, and i didn't spray a clearcoat or anything on it.

Thanks for your responses. I will be going with a Quanta.

You can also get nice stainless straps from some suppliers or just take one of yours to a local metal supplier and have them cut some stainless strips for you....easy enough to put the bends and bolt holes in yourself.


What gauge/type steel should the stainless strips be cut from?

I just measured the thickness of a pair from a 1970 GM Abody with a sheet metal guage....they appear to be 13 guage. Hopefully you have an old one to use as a guide for the bends and holes.

If any of you need a nice reproduction gas tank pad consider the following that I sell (had to get the "plug" in here somehow:D):

http://www.chevelles.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=15602&cat=7

Note: If you have a pair cut you should probably "dress" the edges that face up towards the gas tank underside....just slightly round that edge with some 100 grit paper on a wood block. This way, any slight jagged edges left over from the cutting process will be removed.


Thanks

I just measured the thickness of a pair from a 1970 GM Abody with a sheet metal guage....they appear to be 13 guage. Hopefully you have an old one to use as a guide for the bends and holes.

If any of you need a nice reproduction gas tank pad consider the following that I sell (had to get the "plug" in here somehow:D):

http://www.chevelles.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=15602&cat=7

Note: If you have a pair cut you should probably "dress" the edges that face up towards the gas tank underside....just slightly round that edge with some 100 grit paper on a wood block. This way, any slight jagged edges left over from the cutting process will be removed.


Thanks


Thanks for the advice on the stainless gauge. I do have my originals and they seem to be in decent shape. If the stainless ones dont work out I will probably use them. My 65 actually doesnt have a pad like what you are selling. There are two long thin strips and one shorter/thicker one by the filler neck.

If you get a chance and you feel those are the original strips I would like to know the dimensions of each strip.

Thanks

If you get a chance and you feel those are the original strips I would like to know the dimensions of each strip.

Thanks


I wont be home until Wed night but I will take a picture of the tank strips and give you the measurements when I get home. I am sure its the original tank and padding.

No problem----thank you very much.

pglade, I sent you an email with the pics / measurements.

Got 'em and emailed back. Thanks very much.