Gas Tank Repair

[50Trucking]

Just bought a 28 A Tudor that had been setting about 20 years. I noticed the paint on top of the tank was bubbling up. When I removed the tank to clean the rust out I found that the tank was rusting from thr inside out and when I filled it with water, there were several pin holes spewing water. All in the top of the tank.

These tanks are getting scares so I wonder if anyone has been successful in repairing these holes. I planed to fill the tank with a rust remover and coat the tank with Red Kote tank liner but it leaks so bad it want hold the Rust911 long enough for it to do itÂ’s job

[Gary WA]

Originally Posted by 50Trucking

Just bought a 28 A Tudor that had been setting about 20 years. I noticed the paint on top of the tank was bubbling up. When I removed the tank to clean the rust out I found that the tank was rusting from thr inside out and when I filled it with water, there were several pin holes spewing water. All in the top of the tank.

These tanks are getting scares so I wonder if anyone has been successful in repairing these holes. I planed to fill the tank with a rust remover and coat the tank with Red Kote tank liner but it leaks so bad it want hold the Rust911 long enough for it to do itÂ’s job

Better to find another good used tank!

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by 50Trucking

Just bought a 28 A Tudor that had been setting about 20 years. I noticed the paint on top of the tank was bubbling up. When I removed the tank to clean the rust out I found that the tank was rusting from thr inside out and when I filled it with water, there were several pin holes spewing water. All in the top of the tank.

These tanks are getting scares so I wonder if anyone has been successful in repairing these holes. I planed to fill the tank with a rust remover and coat the tank with Red Kote tank liner but it leaks so bad it want hold the Rust911 long enough for it to do itÂ’s job

I see this frequently. Likely someone in the past has used Hydrochloric acid to dissolve the rust however they did not properly neutralize the acid. The tank is scrap now.

[PeteVS]

Were there differences between roadster/phaeton tanks and coupe/sedan tanks??

[Oldbluoval]

Pete
Just by year all 28-29 same; 30-31 same. Indented fire walls use special tank
Body style doesn’t matter

[Brentwood Bob]

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Early 1930 ccpu had a later neck with a 29 shaped tank and the early instrument panel.

[Oldbluoval]

I’ve heard of (but never worked on) cowls that had an internal tank with a cover.
Early sedans??

[Bob C]

Originally Posted by Oldbluoval

I’ve heard of (but never worked on) cowls that had an internal tank with a cover.
Early sedans??

1928-29 Fordor and 1929 Cabriolet.

[w.michael]

There are minor variations. 28’s had at least two different locations for the loop that holds the choke rod. This might require you to change the choke rod or make other minor adjustments, but I think all ‘28-‘29 tanks, including the Fordor and Cabriolet tanks, are interchangeable.

Now if you want to be totally correct, or enter fine point judging, you need to fully research the articles that have been written on the gas tanks and match the month of production of your car.

W. Michael

[Brian SATX]

I believe that early 30 are different than late 30-31. The location of the holes for the instrument cluster is different. Late Late 31's of course have a different gas delivery system.

[Oldbluoval]

Brian …yes, good point
30 and 31 use different dashed and speedo

[nkaminar]

I sealed a tank on a boat using a sealant from https://www.aircraftspruce.com/. Search their site for "tank seal." I forget which one. It was two component. It was many years ago and the person who bought the boat has not reported any leaks. I had to cut access hatches into the top of the tank to get the sealant where it was needed. I suggest contacting Aircraft Spruce. They have some that just gets poured in so that no hatch is needed.

[Bruce of MN]

How did you seal the hatches? Surely welding would ruin the lining.

[Oldbluoval]

I’ve never seen a sealant that did not fail. Some 2 years; some 15. But when it fails it’s a mess!!
Cutting them open is the only true “fix”.

[WHN]

Originally Posted by Oldbluoval

I’ve never seen a sealant that did not fail. Some 2 years; some 15. But when it fails it’s a mess!!
Cutting them open is the only true “fix”.

I have had good luck with sealing a tank on a 29. We sealed the tank in the early 80’s. I sold the car last year and the sealing was still working fine.

I think you really have to prep your tank correctly and follow the manufactures instructions completely.

Enjoy.