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Old 03-12-2012, 02:46 PM   #1
Milt K from Pa
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Default More Drake product problems

Beware of Drake!!
I had been waiting 3 weeks for the guys at Drakes Parts to let me know what to do with a gas tank which does not fit a stock '34 Roadster. I have been told by other restorers that they do not fit and new holes in tank and frame must be drilled to use it. Customer service told me that's the product and leaves me stuck with a $300 paper weight. They won't accept responsibility!! Further they wouldn't transfer me to Mr. Drake, but said to write a letter. I tried to do this without spreading it through the internet, but I think it will cost them more by their refusing to do the right thing.
See me at Hershey this year with a big sign attached to the tank on it's bad fit. I'll be about 2 rows away from Drake!
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Old 03-12-2012, 03:29 PM   #2
alchemy
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Default Re: More Drake product problems

Since it won't fit, will they take it back? If you paid with a credit card, call your card about a refund.
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Old 03-12-2012, 03:39 PM   #3
Mr 42
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Default Re: More Drake product problems

Got any pictures??
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Old 03-12-2012, 03:40 PM   #4
J Franklin
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Default Re: More Drake product problems

Return it or use it, those seem to be your options. It can't be that hard!
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Old 03-12-2012, 04:38 PM   #5
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Default Re: More Drake product problems

I have been looking at this same gas tank from Drake as the answer to my 34 tank problems in my 2dr. Too bad this product does not fit. Is it just the mounting holes on the frame that does not fit or is there a problem with the filler pipe through the rear sheet metal?
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Old 03-12-2012, 05:09 PM   #6
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Default Re: More Drake product problems

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I don't understand why a company, any company, would go through the process and expense of research, development tooling, production, etc., on a product that does not fit the application it was designed and built for...??? One would think an existing part (like a gas tank) would not be that hard to replicate to exacting standards?
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Old 03-12-2012, 08:32 PM   #7
Milt K from Pa
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Default Re: More Drake product problems

The problem with the tank is that the filler neck is mounted on the tank at a different angle, so when it goes through the rear cover, it is way off center up against the side of the hole. In fact it's so far off center, it won't allow the rear cover to fit into place completely. No way to get a grommet in place either.
The neck is nearly 3/4 inch longer, which is no problem and it has a "flapper" to prevent gas spillage. I won't be using it, and will make a great deal to someone wanting to take a chance!! The question asked about sending it back, they refused!
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Old 03-12-2012, 08:59 PM   #8
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Default Re: More Drake product problems

Is your rear cover original Ford or a repo? I had the same problem as you only in reverse. I had an original tank and a repo tank cover from Drake that was way off, heck of a time getting the neck of the tank to fit through my Drake repo tank cover. Perhaps if both of these parts were from Drake it would fit. PM me on what you want for the tank if that is the way you are going.
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Old 03-12-2012, 09:21 PM   #9
mrtexas
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Default Re: More Drake product problems

Why don't you cut and re-weld the neck?
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Old 03-12-2012, 09:31 PM   #10
oldandtired
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Default Re: More Drake product problems

Their battery boxes for a 37 were originally advertised as fitting 37 passenger and 37-39 pickup. They eventually took it back, but I had to pay the freight both ways. They continued to advertise it as fitting both passenger and pickup for quite a while afterwards. 37 passenger battery bolts and 37-39 pickup ones are very different lengths. They don't listen to anyone...they know it all, even when you send them pictures.
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Old 03-12-2012, 09:41 PM   #11
Milt K from Pa
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Default Re: More Drake product problems

Mr Texas,
I could relocate the neck, but why MUST I, on a three hundred dollar purchase. There are decent used tanks around which is a better answer. I have an original rear cover and a reproduction. Both fit exactly the same. PLUS, I have an original tank (which has rust pin-holes) and it fits as Henry intended. The problem is in the Drake product, no doubt about it.
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