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11-28-2023, 07:25 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Aug 2022
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Parts car - fuel tank care
Just picked up a parts car, a 54 Ford sedan. I just finished stripping off the PS system. Car is going into outdoor storage, aka, snowy Canadian outdoors. I noticed the fuel tank is looking pretty nice inside and the drain plug when removed looked very clean. It does smell like old gas inside, but is pretty much empty. I do intend on using this tank on a restoration in the future.
Whats the best way to keep this tank in good shape? Put some kerosene in it? Diesel? Dry it out somehow? Leave it as is? The gas cap is on it. Car has been outside the previous 20 years at least. In my experience most tanks rot very easily if not in a running/driving vehicle so this tank is an anomaly. |
11-28-2023, 07:33 PM | #2 |
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Re: Parts car - fuel tank care
To, the best bet would be to remove it, clean it out and store it out of the weather, like a shed
If there is a radiator shop around you, they sometimes clean gas tanks.
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11-28-2023, 11:56 PM | #3 |
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Re: Parts car - fuel tank care
I would dry it out and seal it and store it where heated if possible. Temp and moisture in the atmosphere move air and water vapor in and out of tanks. If there is liquid in the tank, it changes temp at a different rate than the metal of the tank, and moisture from the air condenses. I have several old dozers/track hoes/tractors all stored outside and it is constant battle minimizing rust in the fuel tanks and keeping water out of the fuel. I live in cental Minnesota, similar climate to Canada.
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11-29-2023, 11:10 AM | #4 |
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Location: Napa,California
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Re: Parts car - fuel tank care
Check the top of the tank once you pull it out. I've seen two tanks that the top was rusty from a pad Ford used to insulate the tank from the trunk pan. My neighbor was restoring a 53 Victoria and when he tapped on the top of the tank with a small hammer it poked a big hole in the tank. This was a California rust free car and the same thing happened with my 54 Mercury.
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11-29-2023, 11:55 AM | #5 |
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Location: Mn
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Re: Parts car - fuel tank care
Do a search on the Net for a liquid fuel tank sealer. There are
quite a few different sealers, so read the reports on them. .
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11-29-2023, 07:33 PM | #6 |
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Re: Parts car - fuel tank care
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Store the tank inside. |
11-29-2023, 08:06 PM | #7 |
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Location: Lake worth Florida
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Re: Parts car - fuel tank care
I keep them from rusting from the inside out by saving my used motor oil and putting it in the tank . If I dont have enough to fill the tank I add diesel or kerosene.
I use the same process for keeping old motors but I fill the water cavity , cylinders and sump till it runs out . |
11-30-2023, 04:43 PM | #8 |
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Re: Parts car - fuel tank care
These are all good ideas. I've now removed the tank, poured in some varsol I had kicking around, about a quart. Car is going into outside storage, and the tank will be in the trunk for now. I will have easy access to it so I can clean it out at a point this winter when I get more time.
Thanks guys! |
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