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Old 06-22-2025, 08:59 AM   #1
busmania
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Default 40 gas tank?

I have a drake (or carpenter, not sure but they are probably the same?) tank. It appears to be leaking pretty good where the neck attaches to the tank. This thing is basically new so I’m annoyed. Who makes a good tank? Anyone else have this leaking problem with their aftermarket tank?
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Old 06-22-2025, 11:28 AM   #2
19Fordy
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Default Re: 40 gas tank?

If you have a MIG or TIG welder try welding it yourself.
https://metalfixes.com/how-to-weld-a-gas-tank/

OR

Send the tank to the vendor back and get a new one.
A Fordbarn SEARCH reveals this:
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/searc...2&pp=25&page=2

I don't think the repro tanks are made to fit the OEM 40 Ford gas tank sending unit.

Last edited by 19Fordy; 06-22-2025 at 11:34 AM.
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Old 06-22-2025, 11:34 AM   #3
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Default Re: 40 gas tank?

Are you 100% certain the tank is leaking?
The design of these tanks made for common leaks at the filler tube rubber hose connection.
This is especially true if the tank was filled up all the way.

Before you remove the tank, do yourself a favor and track that leak down with certainty.

When I install a tank, I coat the rubber hose with Indian Head Shellac as directed on the bottle. Then I use modern clamps for a few days only replacing them with authentic clamps once the shellac has cured.
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Old 06-22-2025, 12:21 PM   #4
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Default Re: 40 gas tank?

"Kube's idea" is excellent. Perhaps it's just a "clamp leak". Double check to make sure.
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Old 06-22-2025, 12:23 PM   #5
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Default Re: 40 gas tank?

With a repro tank you may not be concerned about using the original clamps. If the the leak is from the hose, most likely, then use two quality modern clamps spaced about 1/2" or so apart.

Glenn
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Old 06-22-2025, 01:39 PM   #6
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Default Re: 40 gas tank?

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I figured it was the rubber hose from the filler tube to the tank as it was rubbing the inner fender metal so I also cut that back. So I replaced the rubber. It still leaked. So then I figured I screwed up the clamps. Nope, still leaks and here I am. I have already pulled the tank. It was easy because my trunk floor has been cut out. I plan to pressurize the tank and then spray the area I think it is with soapy water. Much like finding a hole in a tire. We will see. It almost looks like the neck wasn’t welded where it meets the tank behind a small strengthening piece of metal.

Oh, and after all this, the entire area around the filler neck rubber is dry so I do not think it’s coming from the hose part of it.
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Old 06-22-2025, 05:30 PM   #7
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Default Re: 40 gas tank?

Can you post a few photos of the tank and where its leaking?
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Old 06-22-2025, 06:54 PM   #8
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Default Re: 40 gas tank?

19Fordy, welding on a gas tank that has had fuel in it is dangerous, Don't do it.
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Old 06-22-2025, 08:48 PM   #9
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Default Re: 40 gas tank?

Welp, I pressurized the tank and as suspected it seems to be coming from behind this support piece and under the filler neck. Not sure how I’d fix this….

Hard to see but you can see a couple giant bubbles forming in these photos. Next I’ll fill it with water and see if I can see for sure where it is leaking.

IMG_4361.jpg

IMG_4360.jpg

IMG_4359.jpg
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Old 06-22-2025, 09:13 PM   #10
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Default Re: 40 gas tank?

Quote:
Originally Posted by busmania View Post
Welp, I pressurized the tank and as suspected it seems to be coming from behind this support piece and under the filler neck. Not sure how I’d fix this….

Hard to see but you can see a couple giant bubbles forming in these photos. Next I’ll fill it with water and see if I can see for sure where it is leaking.

Attachment 568619

Attachment 568620

Attachment 568621




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Old 06-22-2025, 11:18 PM   #11
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Default Re: 40 gas tank?

That a 'Tanks' product? Drake mentions that area about his tanks, but 'tanks' have larger capacity. Newc
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Old 06-23-2025, 02:56 AM   #12
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Default Re: 40 gas tank?

Appears to be a Drake tank.Here is a pic of one currently listed on Ebay
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 1938-40 gas tank.jpg (22.0 KB, 181 views)
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Old 06-23-2025, 07:58 AM   #13
19Fordy
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Default Re: 40 gas tank?

Quote:
Originally Posted by fordyford View Post
19Fordy, welding on a gas tank that has had fuel in it is dangerous, Don't do it.
Here's how to do it.
https://weldingtroop.com/is-it-safe-...d-a-fuel-tank/
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Old 06-23-2025, 09:57 AM   #14
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Default Re: 40 gas tank?

It is either Drake or Dennis Carpenter. I do not remember and will have to go back and look at the receipts. Does anyone know if they are the same Tank? Pictures on the websites sure make them look the same.
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Old 06-23-2025, 10:23 AM   #15
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Default Re: 40 gas tank?

Check capacity- different I think? newc
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Old 06-23-2025, 10:25 AM   #16
petehoovie
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Default Re: 40 gas tank?

Quote:
Originally Posted by deuce lover View Post
Appears to be a Drake tank.Here is a pic of one currently listed on Ebay
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Old 06-23-2025, 10:29 AM   #17
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Default Re: 40 gas tank?

Man, oh man, this sucks.
I believe I would strongly consider cleaning this tank out thoroughly and applying a very good grade of sealer.

I always thought Drake's advertising was amusing. On one line it states they are "exactly as original" but then goes on to state they have a larger capacity than original and don't accept the authentic sending unit.
You know, exact only different.
I have had to use his tanks a few times and have been overall pleased. They are wider than the original as well. Oh yeah, "exact as original" only wider.
I have heard from numerous folks that they are nearly impossible to install w/o lifting the rear body or cutting the tank (flanges) shorter.
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Old 06-23-2025, 05:59 PM   #18
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Default Re: 40 gas tank?

Just looked. It was Dennis carpenter. I wonder if the drake tank is the same manufacture? I do t want to buy and have the same issues!
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Old 06-24-2025, 06:06 AM   #19
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Default Re: 40 gas tank?

In 2007 I replaced a rotten fuel tank in a 35 slantback tudor.I had no issues whatsoever with installing it.No lifting the body and it slipped in the chassis easily. I did this again in 2011 in a 36 5W and again no issues.Both were Drake tanks.I didn't care for the battleship gray color and paint them both black .
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Old 06-24-2025, 07:11 AM   #20
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Default Re: 40 gas tank?

I prefer SS for a fuel tank, and had Rock Valley custom build the tanks in my '32 and '40. Not cheap, but NO issues.
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