Before I install my new gas tank.....

Before I install my new gas tank..... - 09/10/11 01:59 AM

Any tips on what I should do before I install my new gas tank? Should I spray a clear coat of paint to protect it from rusting?

Any other install tips would be great...

Posted By: Moparmaniacc

Re: Before I install my new gas tank..... - 09/10/11 02:34 AM

I would focus on what you find when you remove the old tank. Maybe put POR15 on the bottom of the trunk floor and cross brace.

Posted By: RodStRace

Re: Before I install my new gas tank..... - 09/10/11 02:35 AM

Hook up the sending unit with jumpers and check the gauge.
Lots of posts on fuel guages not reading right. Easier to check loose and empty!

Posted By: HelleOnWheels

Re: Before I install my new gas tank..... - 09/10/11 04:06 AM

Quote:

I would focus on what you find when you remove the old tank. Maybe put POR15 on the bottom of the trunk floor and cross brace.

The tank has been out for over a year now. The bottom of the trunk and bracing is all in great condition. I was thinking more in the line of what I should do to make sure the tank doesn't rust long term.

Thanks for the insight.....

Posted By: HelleOnWheels

Re: Before I install my new gas tank..... - 09/10/11 04:06 AM

Quote:

Hook up the sending unit with jumpers and check the gauge.
Lots of posts on fuel guages not reading right. Easier to check loose and empty!

GREAT IDEA!!!

Posted By: kentj340

Re: Before I install my new gas tank..... - 09/10/11 07:43 AM

Quote:

I was thinking more in the line of what I should do to make sure the tank doesn't rust long term.

Gas tanks fail by corroding from the inside due to water condensation. When the rusting causes thinning of the metal and lots of perforations, the tank is toast. This is mainly a worry with disuse.

As far as outside cosmetics, it should be hot dipped with an alloy of lead-tin (as is the inside). See
https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/show...e=0#Post6819164
The coating should not corrode if kept mostly dry and garaged. But if you want to paint it, you could refer to "How to Restore Your Muscle Car" by Donahue. Go to an online bookstore, find this title - the one with the red Charger on the cover is the newest edition - and do a search inside the book for 'gas tank refinishing', which is 3 pages. The author mistakenly says "all tanks are galvanized", rather than terne, but talks about how to remove rust and what paint to use. But I wonder about long term paint adhesion on the lead-tin.

Since lead-tin is in fact solder, you could closely inspect all exterior surfaces for any rusting, pitting, rock damage, or loss of coating, and repair with - voil� - solder. Be sure to get out all the gas fumes first...

Posted By: astjp2

Re: Before I install my new gas tank..... - 09/10/11 09:01 AM

The best way to get rid of the gas fumes is to throw in some dry ice. Let it sit for 5 minutes and solder away. I use sn63/pb37 solder, has real lead and still easy to get in some areas. Antique aircraft gas tanks were terne plate too. Tim

Posted By: burdar

Re: Before I install my new gas tank..... - 09/10/11 03:21 PM

I'm thinking about putting my new tank out in the sun. Once it's nice and hot, I'll coat it with RPM and bring it back inside to cool.

http://www.ecsautomotive.com/productdesc.php?co=a&id=1

Posted By: gtx6970

Re: Before I install my new gas tank..... - 09/10/11 04:13 PM

I just wiped my down with a rag soaked in clear silicone spray

Posted By: joewhite440

Re: Before I install my new gas tank..... - 09/11/11 12:30 AM

Make sure you put the Pad back in between the Tank and the Floor or get a new one so it does not rattle etc.