1937 Fuel Tank Replacement

D

Derby

Junior Member
After reading the excellent discussions about removing the original fuel tank, I have a question about a replacement. In a post dated 4-2-2016 Dennis(EV8G) included this statement:

"Just to make you aware should you decide (for some reason) to replace this tank, Bob Drake reproduction tanks for these years CAN NOT be installed the way the original was removed. The tanks are stamped too fat on the sides and WILL NOT slide far enough to one side to get the opposite flange up on top of the frame rail."

Thanks to him for that information. Is there a solution to this problem?
 
I have put a couple in 39's with no problems. Put the drivers side tank
flange up on top of the left top rail of the frame. Have 3 2X4's about
24"s long and a flat piece of 16 gauge 18"s long. Lay one of the 2X4's
up in the right frame 4" up and down. Lay the steel sheet against the
2X4 put 2 of the 2X4's up on the right side against the right side of the
tank and pry the tank towards the drivers side using the bottom frame
rail for leverage. I think I had the steel plate so the right flange slide up
the plate until the top flange on the right side went over the top frame
rail. This was a few years ago and maybe they changed them?? G.M.
 
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If you buy a new tank be sure to check and see if you need an adapter for your original sending unit or if the tank has a dual set of holes for the late and early sender. If you have the original gauges you will want to use the original sender.
 
I put a new tank in a ‘37 a few years ago.
I remember it was a real struggle and I thought for a while I was gonna have to raise the body off the frame but I did finally get it up there.
I remember I had the left side up there and struggled with the rt side for a while but I did not have to use a jack. Don’t recall any tank gage unit problems.
I think I did use a flat tire iron or similar between the tank and right frame to pry the tank to the left.
 
I put a Drake SS tank in my '40 coupe a few years ago. Went in easily just like the original. Really good quality and fit. Tank level gauge hole is the same as the Ford. Fuel line fitting is different, though. Your '37 frame should be almost the same as the '40......
 
If you check where the continuous weld is on the sides, there is usually enough metal outside the weld area, to allow you to trim an 1/8" or so off the flange and often that is all you need to make removal and installation much easier.
 
TerryOH,

I may have the original tank rebuilt. My objective is to be as well informed as possible. I need to be sure any tank used its super clean.The modified engine in the car uses an 8BA block with fuel injection.
 
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