Model A Gas Tank Dimensions

dougeast

dougeast

Junior Member
I think I'm clear that there is a difference between the dimensions between '28/'29 gas tanks and the '30/31' tanks. My question is whether ALL 1930 and 1931 fuel tanks are the same dimension and are thus interchangeable regardless of car model? I want to buy a spare '30/'31 tank and just want to double-check that they are all the same ...

Thanks ...
 
Doug: the external dimensions of all the 30-31 style tanks are all the same, including the oval speedometer and the late version with the outside shut off. There is no differences for the different body styles.
 
Mark - thanks so much for your prompt reply. I was about to buy a tank from a forum member and he told me that he and another of his customers had measured and found out that there somehow is a different dimension of some tanks. I also thought they were all the same and interchangeable, as you are suggesting. Thanks again ..
 
Thanks, Bob, for your comments. Let's say, just for the sake of clarity, that I have a late '31 something-or-other that had an indented firewall when it came off the line. But, 83 years later, the tank has started to leak. I have a chance to pick up a rust-free, non-indented '30-something tank for way less than I could have the original tank repaired. Authenticity aside, can I stick the earlier model in with no modifications?

Sorry to belabor the point but I'm just trying to be sure I understand before I start taking things apart and spending my SS check on another tank ...
 
Slightly OT: I have begun dis-assembly of my 29 Cabriolet to repair/replace the gas tank. I have not yet to the point where I can remove it so I am wondering about what style tank may be in the car. The builder of the car insists the tank is the style that the cowl is actually the tank. So removal would mean the entire cowl would come off. Some of the research and advice I've gotten through other sources indicate the 29 Cab had the "under the cowl" style. After removing all connected to it in some way, the tank would drop out from under the cowl which stays completely in place. Any one with experience on this have any hints?
 
As I understand on the 29 cabriolet the tank is under the cowl sheet metal and it is a standard 29 tank but it will have to come out under which will require that the steering column be removed. I never did one myself but if it were me I would keep the tank in place , put in the 31 style drop bracket and chemically seal the leak area.
 
dougeast said:
Thanks, Bob, for your comments. Let's say, just for the sake of clarity, that I have a late '31 something-or-other that had an indented firewall when it came off the line. But, 83 years later, the tank has started to leak. I have a chance to pick up a rust-free, non-indented '30-something tank for way less than I could have the original tank repaired. Authenticity aside, can I stick the earlier model in with no modifications?

Sorry to belabor the point but I'm just trying to be sure I understand before I start taking things apart and spending my SS check on another tank ...
Click to expand...


Different firewall will prevent use without modifying the firewall.
 
Barry B./ Ma. said:
As I understand on the 29 cabriolet the tank is under the cowl sheet metal and it is a standard 29 tank but it will have to come out under which will require that the steering column be removed. I never did one myself but if it were me I would keep the tank in place , put in the 31 style drop bracket and chemically seal the leak area.
Click to expand...

That was my original plan and I did obtain the later style bracket. However, on this tank, the chemical seal has been tried several times (inside and out) and at times partially successful but not ever fully sealed. At this point the entire area where the column support is mounted is in such a mess repair in place would be difficult at best if not impossible. I'm not even sure a repair is going to be possible when the tank is out of the car and more readily accessible from all angles. Guess I should prepare for steering column removal!:confused:
 
Ah-ha, Mike - that's the key information that I was looking for. It's not about the dimensions of the tanks, it's about the mid-'31 changes that were made to the firewall. The tanks will fit in the hole but will be obstructed by the indent of the firewall unless modifications are made.

Thanks for helping clarify the issue, Mike ..
 
I haven't seen it mentioned, but the early 30 tank is different than the late 30 tank which used a wider instrument panel for the round speedometer. I assume you wouldn't want to have to change the speedometer and instrument panel also if you happened to buy the wrong tank.
 
Not to hijack the thread but some advice for 29 Cabriolet. I wouldn't be too quick to remove the steering column. Tank should come out from the engine side. Just make sure to take out the two small bolts in the window frame stanchions in addition to the clamps, tank flange bolts, dash, tank bolts and steering wheel clamp. It took me a while to figure out where they were. There is one on each side. Tank should pivot out when you gently lift the front and gently pull forward. if the tank won't move there is a bolt holding it somewhere. Le Andrew book does a good job except it doesn't mention the small bolts and I didn't have to remove the windshield either. I was actually surprised how easy it was. Tim
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top