I just purchased a Spectra Premium fuel tank (PN GM34E) from Rock Auto for my 70. It looked pretty close to the original tank and I was pleased with the appearance. When I put it in the car I noticed the fuel filler neck is rubbing on the top of the frame where it comes through and it doesn't fit close to the body like the original filler neck did.

Has anyone else experienced this problem? They just didn't bend the filler neck enough. Another great repro part experience! I think I will try and return it for a replacement but I didn't want to go to the trouble if they are all like this.

I bought/installed a Spectra Premium tank in my '70 El Camino. Like you, I was impressed over-all, especially with the appearance compared to the original tank.

But like you, the filler neck didn't come close to where it was supposed to be. It took a lot of "re-forming" to get the neck to be where it should be at the filler door. Also, it was missing a spot welded bracket that attached the neck to the body (exclusive to Elkys) as well as the internal baffle inside the filler neck.

Also, if you have read enough gas tank threads here on TC, you'll read that the reproduction tanks have a history of gas cap incompatability. You'll soon discover that there's a distinct possibility that you'll experience fuel loss out the filler tube or gas vapors in the car from venting issues. (In the case of Elkys, it's not fuel loss - like the Sedans, but fuel vapors.)The problem seems to be with the flange on the filler neck that mates to the gas cap. From what I've read, neither the original gas caps (vented for Elkys) or the reproduction gas caps are compatible with this tank. It's just something that we all have to live with.

The Spectra tank is a good quality product, but like most reproduction items, don't expect the same quality/performance as the unit that the General originally put on your car.

My impression is that the Spectra tank is the best that you can buy, but not without the problems that go along with it.

From my experience this is a common problem on their tanks (which are the best thing available out there and otherwise very nice looking).

Contact RockAuto and see what they say....but don't be suprised at all if any replacement they send you is exactly the same. You can grab the neck and push it upwards also....have had to do that a few times. Easy on the pushing also. Only do this if you think that will solve the problem as you don't want to later try to send it back and have them say you "attempted to modify it" and now they won't replace it....either that or clear it with them first so you are covered if you still don't like it.

You'll probably also see that gas cap won't be "straight" after putting it on. You'd think there would be a jig that the tank and neck would be placed in before neck was brazed to tank.

I researched the best tank to buy and everyone here said this was the best tank available right now and it probably is. It just simply amazes me that the manufacturers can not get it right! They get everything on the tank pretty good and then they ruin it by something very basic like not bending the filler neck properly. Soooooooooo frustrating!! I am a very picky person and have 0 tolerance for #%$% like this.

What about Quanta?

http://www.quantaproducts.com/departments.asp?dept=1

Quanta doesn't make tanks...they are just another reseller of Spectra Tanks.

I got longer carrage bolts and added a 1/4 inch of foam padding to bring my tank lower.

Take the old tank and the new tank to a radiator shop and have them put the old neck into the new tank. 10 years ago tanks didn't even come with a neck, you had to reuse the old one.