[melemans]

My 64 Lemans has its original tank and sender. The gas gauge works intermittently; the tank has a few dents and scrapes and is rusted on the outside. The inside is in decent shape and would clean up ok if I took it to the local radiator shop to get it boiled out. However, it's a 44+ year old tank and the dollars spent cleaning it out and prepping and painting the outside....well, that would be about 50% of the cost of a new replacement gas tank. So I ask the ones that "have been there and done that” what is your experience? If you recommend that I replace the tank, what vendor is recommended to get the best tank and fit. The budget and labor is not an issue. As always, I really appreciate your input. Thank you.
BobJ

(Keeping it a Lemans)

[64speed]

Get a Tanks inc. one. I had one prior to buying the holley sniper piece which is the same thing with all the fuel injection stuff built in

[GTO JONES]

Second that , tanks ink. is the way to go. I did it with an in tank pump best thing I ever did.

[Sprocket]

Go with the original tank unless you want/need to upgrade your fuel pump system like the other guys have mentioned. Guaranteed to have zero fitment or installation issues. Add a new sender and you’ll be good to go.


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[HWYSTR455]

A new tank is like $150, can the radiator shop do it for less than that? Even if they can, you just end up with the old, dented, scratched one that's clean, and still needs to be detailed.

My suggestion is to buy the EFI tank regardless of what you plan to use for fuel system. That way in the future, you have the option to change. The EFI tanks have an internal sump, and you can purchase regular pickups and senders for it. It's a win-win.

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[tom s]

I have bought a couple aftermarket tanks,one for a first gen and one for a 69 Judge.The first gen SUCKS big time,the 69 was OK.On my 63 tempest I cleaned it myself and it was a little labor but was easy.I could not get anyone within 50 miles of me to do one.I used vinegar and a 3 ft piece of chain.Many YouTube videos of how to do it.Tom

[455GRIN]

I think Tom has the right idea, if you aren't going to buy new then clean it yourself. Why put good $ in an old tank. The best suggestion is to upgrade to EFI tank. Have one installed in the Firebird with pump in tank, looking forward to seeing how it does with new motor.

[Skip Fix]

I agree as reasonable as they all are now get a new one. Even coating an old one I worry what if tghat stuff comes off clogs up the works.

[389]

I'm on my 4th Spectra tank in 3 years and this ones leaking too. I wish I had the original tank to my car, I'd get it coated at the radiator shop..

[gtospieg]

Two choices on Rock Auto...$127 or $141

[HWYSTR455]

Originally Posted by 389

I'm on my 4th Spectra tank in 3 years and this ones leaking too. I wish I had the original tank to my car, I'd get it coated at the radiator shop..

Leaking? Like at the seams? Are you massively over-tightening the straps or something? I'm curious, first I've heard of failures.

Not sure if TanksInc uses Spectre tanks or not, but I haven't heard of failures of those. I've had one in service now for like 5 or so years, 35k miles, no leaks.

I've seen folks have issues with the crappy vents they include with the tanks, and placement. Also have seen issues with the rubber gaskets they include with the tanks, I purchase the cork ones and use those instead.

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[NeighborsComplaint]

I bought mine from Golden Star through Tamraz. No issues w. 71 GTO.

Not worth the bother cleaning up a rusty dented original.

[hobbygto65]

These guys have an assortment of tanks to, even stainless.
http://www.autocityclassic.com/1964-1967-b/

[melemans]

You guys have never failed me! And you have given me a couple of options (that I didn't think of) to now ponder. I'll let you know what I decide. Thank you again. Bobj

[lust4speed]

Who has problems with nozzles cutting off when trying to fill their aftermarket tanks? Have two friends that both complain that the auto shutoff will constantly kick off when they fill their tanks to the point they have to monitor the fill on a lower click. One has the replacement tank for a '66 GTO and it has the rubber hose connecting the neck; and the other was a '72 GTO with the neck soldered in place. Neither of them had fill troubles with their original tanks. My tank is mechanically sound but looks bad on the exterior and I'd like to get a stainless replacement, but not if the new one is going to be a hassle to fill.

[Greg Reid]

I bought a new tank for my '68 right over the counter at my local Advance Auto parts. Been flawless for 5 or 6 years now. I think I paid about $175 for the tank AND a new sending unit.
Bought another for my '66 but had to get it from ebay. Never had any problem filling the '68 at the station. The '66 isn't being driven at this time.

[HWYSTR455]

Originally Posted by lust4speed

Who has problems with nozzles cutting off when trying to fill their aftermarket tanks? Have two friends that both complain that the auto shutoff will constantly kick off when they fill their tanks to the point they have to monitor the fill on a lower click. One has the replacement tank for a '66 GTO and it has the rubber hose connecting the neck; and the other was a '72 GTO with the neck soldered in place. Neither of them had fill troubles with their original tanks. My tank is mechanically sound but looks bad on the exterior and I'd like to get a stainless replacement, but not if the new one is going to be a hassle to fill.

Well, the replacement tanks don't have the anti-surge/syphon baffle in them, or at least the ones that come with separate necks and attach with a short rubber section. A lot depends on the station's nozzles and pumps, but I have the early cutoff thing even with the new cars. You can as you suggest just put it on the middle notch, or hold it so it shoots more straight down the fill tube. A little bit of a pain but not a show stopper.

.

[Sprocket]

Ultimately it comes down to this: refurbing your tank guarantees that you will have no issues other than perhaps it will not look perfectly new cosmetically speaking. Going aftermarket is a crap shoot where the odds are in your favor, but...

[1968GTO421]

Originally Posted by Sprocket

Ultimately it comes down to this: refurbing your tank guarantees that you will have no issues other than perhaps it will not look perfectly new cosmetically speaking. Going aftermarket is a crap shoot where the odds are in your favor, but...

Sounds good, just have to make sure ALL the rust is out. Biggest rust problem I've found is the top of the tank, not the bottom.

[HWYSTR455]

Originally Posted by tom s

I have bought a couple aftermarket tanks,one for a first gen and one for a 69 Judge.The first gen SUCKS big time,the 69 was OK.On my 63 tempest I cleaned it myself and it was a little labor but was easy.I could not get anyone within 50 miles of me to do one.I used vinegar and a 3 ft piece of chain.Many YouTube videos of how to do it.Tom

Tom - What sucks about the 1st gen one? Need more info.

389 - What/how did your tanks fail/leak?

Best to not have folks throw stones with no data. This is the first time I've heard of anyone having issues, and there are tons of people using them. I personally have used 3, none had any issues any place. I know of first hand 3 other people that have used them without issues either.

Radiator shops won't touch used tanks, or if they do, will charge a lot. There's too much risk doing one. The effort to evac vapors is labor intensive and not 100% effective, or easy to not do properly. Most shops just won't deal with the liability.

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