Gas Tank Suppliers??

[MurphyJ]

Does anyone know where I can purchase a new replacement gas tank for my 1930 closed cab pickup?? In my searching so far, I have yet to find a supplier. Thanks for any help you can offer up.

[Purdy Swoft]

Nobody reproduces the model A gas tanks.

[BashawT]

I believe there is too much of a liability for someone to reproduce these gas tanks mainly because it rests right above our legs. There are some shops that will cut an original open and clean it up and fix/weld any damaged areas and reweld giving you a basically brand new tank. It will run you a decent coin but being a gas tank makes it worth it in my eyes. I plan on having mine done soon.

Hope this helps

Travis

[wrndln]

I agree with BashawT. Any company than make gas tanks for model A's would be inviting bigtime lawsuits if any of their tanks were involved in a accident. I also think making gas tanks would be a tough task as they are a fairly complicated assembly and the price for the tanks would probably be quite high. Since there are still original tanks available, the demand would probably be low, at least initially, especially if the "new" tanks were as expensive is I think they would probably be.
Rusty Nelson

[Steve Plucker]

How many years does it take for an auto maker to become not liable for their own product?

Pluck

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

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Originally Posted by BashawT

I believe there is too much of a liability for someone to reproduce these gas tanks mainly because it rests right above our legs. There are some shops that will cut an original open and clean it up and fix/weld any damaged areas and reweld giving you a basically brand new tank. It will run you a decent coin but being a gas tank makes it worth it in my eyes. I plan on having mine done soon.

Hope this helps

Travis

Originally Posted by wrndln

I agree with BashawT. Any company than make gas tanks for model A's would be inviting bigtime lawsuits if any of their tanks were involved in a accident. I also think making gas tanks would be a tough task as they are a fairly complicated assembly and the price for the tanks would probably be quite high. Since there are still original tanks available, the demand would probably be low, at least initially, especially if the "new" tanks were as expensive is I think they would probably be.
Rusty Nelson

Well if what you two say is true, please explain why tanks for Model-Ts are still made ...and so are repro ones for 1932 and up! Also explain why motorcycle tanks are made. Seems like those 3 types alone would be just the same when you explore the dangers!! I don't think it has anything to do with liability!

To the OP, ...restore the tank you have.

[ericr]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

Well if what you two say is true, please explain why tanks for Model-Ts are still made ...and so are repro ones for 1932 and up! Also explain why motorcycle tanks are made. Seems like those 3 types alone would be just the same when you explore the dangers!! I don't think it has anything to do with liability!

To the OP, ...restore the tank you have.

well their contention was that the occupant of a Model "A" was sitting next to an atom bomb but as you say, the Model "T" driver would be sitting on top of a similar bomb. Had anyone been injured by spontaneous ignition of the Model "A" tank, we would have heard about it. I would guess that the later tanks are comparatively easier to construct, maybe?

there is an curious request in one set of the Service Letters to the effect that the Company wanted to be informed about gas tank problems but the request was withdrawn shortly thereafter so their vague curiosity must have ben satisfied.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by ericr

well their contention was that the occupant of a Model "A" was sitting next to an atom bomb but as you say, the Model "T" driver would be sitting on top of a similar bomb. Had anyone been injured by spontaneous ignition of the Model "A" tank, we would have heard about it. I would guess that the later tanks are comparatively easier to construct, maybe?

If you go to the archives and look at the prints -and all of the revisions it becomes crystal clear why someone doesn't reproduce Model-A tanks. Just to answer it for yourself, just exactly which one would YOU suggest needs to be reproduced, ...and why??

[BashawT]

I stand corrected. Actually I'm sitting, but thanks for the additional knowledge.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Again, the best way IMHO is to open the tank, remove all of the problems, tighten all of the rivets and weld it back together.

[mshmodela]

Gas tanks would be likely very hard to make an exact copy --cheaply without finding the original plans and or the dies with which they were pressed (appears like that...)

[glenn in camino]

Originally Posted by Purdy Swoft

Nobody reproduces the model A gas tanks.

Probably because the product liability insurance would cost more than any shop could make if they made and sold a new tank for every Model A ever made.

[Mike V. Florida]

I think they are just too complicated to make with the market out there, and it has nothing to do with liability. Ever opened one up? Brent had pics a while back showing what he does to restore the tanks.

Even if you could come up with one design for the round and oval speedo, you still have three major categories of tanks 20's, 30's late '31.

A lot of money for jigs and stuff. Just my opinion.

[ericr]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

If you go to the archives and look at the prints -and all of the revisions it becomes crystal clear why someone doesn't reproduce Model-A tanks. Just to answer it for yourself, just exactly which one would YOU suggest needs to be reproduced, ...and why??

go to the Archives? I'm lucky to make to to the carry-out. But more seriously, to reply to your comment, which I know is a little rhetorical, I think the highest production year was for the '29s though anecdotally it seems that the '30-'31s create more comments and interest. So I don't know what tank deserves reproduction but I won't hold my breath in any event LOL

[Afordman31]

Here is a picture of the 1930-31 tank that was posted a while back. Afordman31

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

I think they are just too complicated to make with the market out there, and it has nothing to do with liability. Ever opened one up? Brent had pics a while back showing what he does to restore the tanks.

Even if you could come up with one design for the round and oval speedo, you still have three major categories of tanks 20's, 30's late '31.

A lot of money for jigs and stuff. Just my opinion.

[29Cabriolet]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

Again, the best way IMHO is to open the tank, remove all of the problems, tighten all of the rivets and weld it back together.

A couple of posts like this one in this thread, mention "welding" as a method of repair for a tank. Les Andrews Manual Vol I has a chapter on the gas tank. The prelude states in part ". . . never attempt to weld a Model a gas tank because they are made from hardened steel and will cause hairline cracks and create more problems. . . "
So, curious to know, has anyone weld repaired a tank successfully?

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by 29Cabriolet

A couple of posts like this one in this thread, mention "welding" as a method of repair for a tank. Les Andrews Manual Vol I has a chapter on the gas tank. The prelude states in part ". . . never attempt to weld a Model a gas tank because they are made from hardened steel and will cause hairline cracks and create more problems. . . "
So, curious to know, has anyone weld repaired a tank successfully?

The picture of the tank posted above by Afordman is my picture showing the inside of a tank. I think when I was researching tanks at the archives, there was like 7 different versions of a gas tank. The ROI on even manufacturing 2 - 3 different tanks would likely not be there even if a new tank could be sold for $1k.

I guess my answer to 29 Cabriolet comment is we probably don't need to believe everything we read. If for no other reason, lets consider these two thoughts regarding that comment. First, if the metal was "hardened", how was Ford able to stamp the metal with such a deep draw without cracking or splitting? Second, if welding created hairline cracks, then why is it after 75+ years, you never see cracking in the welded area where the two pieces were joined? Again, just because something seems believable, don't always take it for 'gospel truth'.

As for restoration of a Model-A tank, it is, --and has been done for quite awhile now. Different methods have been used by different shops depending on what their capabilities are. For us, I choose to use the least noticeable way of proper restoration of a tank. That is opening the tank where all internal areas are exposed and can be thoroughly cleaned, and all rivets that attach brackets are repaired. Others will saw holes into the tank's exterior, clean what they can see, then weld patches over the top of the metal which is always noticeable IMHO. Others try to tumble objects inside or use flushing as a way to dislodge rust & debris. From my personal inspection/experiences on tanks that this has been done, it is very incomplete and temporary at best.

Therefore I suppose it boils down to the quality someone is seeking or willing to accept. Bottom line is there are enough Model-A tanks still out there to fill the need for the hobby. The problem as I see it is most people don't have the capability to do the job themselves and have trouble embracing the costs/work associated with tank restoration.

.

[ericr]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

The picture of the tank posted above by Afordman is my picture showing the inside of a tank. I think when I was researching tanks at the archives, there was like 7 different versions of a gas tank. The ROI on even manufacturing 2 - 3 different tanks would likely not be there even if a new tank could be sold for $1k.

I guess my answer to 29 Cabriolet comment is we probably don't need to believe everything we read. If for no other reason, lets consider these two thoughts regarding that comment. First, if the metal was "hardened", how was Ford able to stamp the metal with such a deep draw without cracking or splitting? Second, if welding created hairline cracks, then why is it after 75+ years, you never see cracking in the welded area where the two pieces were joined? Again, just because something seems believable, don't always take it for 'gospel truth'.

As for restoration of a Model-A tank, it is, --and has been done for quite awhile now. Different methods have been used by different shops depending on what their capabilities are. For us, I choose to use the least noticeable way of proper restoration of a tank. That is opening the tank where all internal areas are exposed and can be thoroughly cleaned, and all rivets that attach brackets are repaired. Others will saw holes into the tank's exterior, clean what they can see, then weld patches over the top of the metal which is always noticeable IMHO. Others try to tumble objects inside or use flushing as a way to dislodge rust & debris. From my personal inspection/experiences on tanks that this has been done, it is very incomplete and temporary at best.

Therefore I suppose it boils down to the quality someone is seeking or willing to accept. Bottom line is there are enough Model-A tanks still out there to fill the need for the hobby. The problem as I see it is most people don't have the capability to do the job themselves and have trouble embracing the costs/work associated with tank restoration.

.

you said in one post that the terne finish within the tank itself can deteriorate.....how do you address that?

[29Cabriolet]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

I guess my answer to 29 Cabriolet comment is we probably don't need to believe everything we read. If for no other reason, lets consider these two thoughts regarding that comment. First, if the metal was "hardened", how was Ford able to stamp the metal with such a deep draw without cracking or splitting? Second, if welding created hairline cracks, then why is it after 75+ years, you never see cracking in the welded area where the two pieces were joined?

.

Could it be it was hardened after forming is done? FWIW I found that piece in the manual after I had mine TIG welded. It was welded on the 4 rivets that held the steering column mount. I removed that mount and replaced with the '31 style. I also had the inside of the tank coated with a sealer by a radiator repair shop. Still on my first tank of gas and all seems well. So either it's too early to tell; or Les' advice may not be completely accurate; or the sealer took care of any cracking that may have occurred.

[billwill]

Call856 6923466 ask Neil Williams good luck