Removing and replacing gas tank

mstover

Member
The gas tank of my '30 Coupe is full of rust/dirt/god-knows-what. The only sure fix is to remove the tank, clean it, seal it, and put it back. Since I've never done this before, I'm trying to gather all the parts needed before I begin. Will I need to buy new gas tank welt or can I reuse whatever is already there.

I appreciate your help!
 
For what it's goimg to cost why not "invest" in the new welt?? Then if you need it, you'll have it and your project won't be held up waiting on parts. JMO
Paul in CT
 
Mike,

Make your parts list as you disassembly. Order the parts while the tank is being repaired. It's hard to anticipate what you need before you see the screws, clamps, etc.
Bud
 
If your coupe's tank is black, I'd go for new welting, since I believe the catalog parts vendors only sell it in black. Roy Naciewitz in Hemmings sells very nice original Ford type welting. I think the catalog vendors sell "vinyl" welting. I say this because the old welting comes out cracked as it may stick here and there to cowl and tank as you remove tank, even if you cut edges with a razor first. To re-use welting, if you can, you can staple strips of cloth to inner "flaps" of old welting so you can pull on something to get the welting back down between tank and cowl during re-assembly. Once in place then tighten up on tank clamps. While tank is out, check the condition of your cage nuts for the rear hood hinge anchor.
 
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Also a roll of anti-squeak that goes wherever the welt isn't used, new bolts if they are in bad shape (especially under and around dash), finally etch and sealer. While your shut off is out get a new screen filter for it and if it doesn't shut off completely a new packing kit.
 
Is your car restored or not? If not, the original welting will be stuck and never come out in one reusable piece. Invest is a good pair of Vice-Grip pliers to remove the firewall screws. I used a odd parrot head shaped pair on the last tank I removed, took about an hour start to finish to remove the tank in an unrestored body. Bob
 
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