Fuel Tank Advice '46 Mercury

[psogden]

Plan to replace my fuel tank. Reading threads for other year cars, note there is a fitting problem for some years--new tanks slightly larger than old ones. Anybody have advice on best source for tank purchase? Assume steel tank is best (vs. plastic). And I see these aftermarket tanks come without a drain hole. That's a bummer. Comments appreciated.

 

[TJ]

There has not been any noted problems with the tanks for the 41-48 cars. They fit just fine. I installed one in a 46 coupe and was a piece of cake. The plastic tanks also work well. They are slightly larger so they hold more fuel.

 

[47Merc]

The Bob Drake tanks have a drain hole in the bottom exactly the same as the original.

I have one in my 47 Merc and it looks no different to the original except for the Drake insignia stamped in the top and you cant see that when it is installed.

 

[oldskool]

I have a drakes in my 41 ford fits perfect, when placed side by side they look exactly alike

 

[skidmarks]

The fit issue was with the 40 ford tank and some others like 35 to 40. They fit tight between the frame rails. 41 to 48 has a lot more room.

 

[KGS]

Are these replacement tanks coated on the inside or is the metal plated
like the original (tern plating??)?

 

[waterboychuck]

I ordered one from Drake and it was on back order and stayed that way for several months. This was a few years ago. I ended up cancelling with him and bought mine from Tanks inc.

 

[psogden]

Thanks everybody for your input.

 

[dwick01]

I got one from Drake a couple of years ago for my '47. It fit perfectly.

 

[19Fordy]

You can easily drill and tap a polypropylene plastic tank for a nylon drain plug.
Do not "tap threads" past the major dia. of the tap. This has been
working for last 5 years. No leaks.