28 Model A Tank Removal Question

[preppypyro]

Hey guys and gals, I inherited (sorta) a 28 model A coupe. The tank has gotten rusty on the inside, therefor I would like to remove it, take it somewhere and get it cleaned and coated.

So Im in the process of removing the tank, and at the cluster removal point. The cluster is simple, 4 screws. The part I am wondering though, is the cover to hide the wire and speedo cable, that follows the tank down to the firewall, how does one remove that? I cant see any screws, and I didnt want to pry on it too hard without checking to see if they "hook in" a certain way, or something.

Another question I was curious about, is regarding the actual cleaning of the tank. Do any of you guys know at all if they need to actually dip the whole tank to clean it or what? Reason why i ask, I may try molasses and leave the tank in, if I have to start worrying about getting the tank repainted and whatnot.

Thanks for any info, apologize if my question may seem silly, but I very much appreciate any and all help, especially about my first question!

[Bob C]

Originally Posted by preppypyro

Hey guys and gals, I inherited (sorta) a 28 model A coupe. The tank has gotten rusty on the inside, therefor I would like to remove it, take it somewhere and get it cleaned and coated.

So Im in the process of removing the tank, and at the cluster removal point. The cluster is simple, 4 screws. The part I am wondering though, is the cover to hide the wire and speedo cable, that follows the tank down to the firewall, how does one remove that? I cant see any screws, and I didnt want to pry on it too hard without checking to see if they "hook in" a certain way, or something.

Another question I was curious about, is regarding the actual cleaning of the tank. Do any of you guys know at all if they need to actually dip the whole tank to clean it or what? Reason why i ask, I may try molasses and leave the tank in, if I have to start worrying about getting the tank repainted and whatnot.

Thanks for any info, apologize if my question may seem silly, but I very much appreciate any and all help, especially about my first question!

That part does not come off.
Personally I would not have a take coated inside.

Bob

[preppypyro]

Ok thanks, I guess Ill have to look at fishing the wires and cable out of there then!


Ive had tanks coated on motorcycles before with good results, and the car has an inline filter, Im not worried about the coating.

Im more so interested in knowing if they would have to dip the tank and possibly wreck the paint, as I really dont want to have to try and get the paint matched up, as the car is in good shape with decent paint, but matching it up just wouldnt have the same look as the rest of the car, with its little bit of wear and tear and whatnot.

[SeaSlugs]

yea when they dip it it strips it all off. I dlook at things like Rust911 or evaporust and fill it in the car to the brim

[2manycars]

Unless the rust is excessive, I would leave it alone and install a pencil filter on the shutoff valve and clean the sediment bowl frequently. Pencil filter is available from most model A suppliers.

[preppypyro]

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Thank you very much, I will look into that, see about repairing it on the car.

The rust is bad enough that it slows the flow enough to prevent the car from running properly. The car has an inline filter installed under the hood, and that gets clogged up fairly quick as well. If possible I would really like to repair it so I dont have to worry about it clogging things up while Im driving it.


Appreciate your guys help very much!

[Mikeinnj]

If you put anything caustic into the tank while it is in the car, there is a good chance of getting some of it on the other parts of the car by accident. The 28-29 tanks are pretty simple to remove. That is what I did and then had a PPG Ditzler paint dealer match the original lacquuer color before dipping the tank. When clean, I used a pencil filter inside the tank and repainted it and installed it. No more rust !

[wrndln]

I second or third NOT coating the tank inside. Chances are you will have problems "down the road".
Rusty Nelson

[kenparker]

I have dealt with two tanks in the last month. One a 29 in my "woodie" pickup. The tank was removed two months ago and I finally decided NOT to have it coated on the inside. Risk too great. Paint was not a problem, 'cause it is only primer at this point. Did not want cating coming loose sometime down the years.

The second was a 1930 removed last Friday to seal up a hole someone had drilled in the bottom, for some who knows what reason. Tank removed. Hole filled with brass screw then soldered into place to seal it permanently. Again decided tp NOT put sealer on the inside. Tank was reinstalled today. Getting the welt in place was the woolybugger.

[WHN]

Our 29 gas tank was removed and sloshed 40 years ago, no problems. We also have an in line gas filter just before carb. Everyone has their own ideas on what is best.

[frank55a]

Is the "cluster" you are referring to the instrument panel. If so, disconnect all the wires and speedo cable from the panel. Then the speedo cable can be pulled out the oval opening on the bottom side of the channel on the bottom of the tank. Remove the terminal box cover if you have not already done so and pull all the wires out. Next depending on the type of ignition switch you have: 1) you may be able to disconnect the cable from the switch and pull it out the terminal box, or 2) for an original type switch, disconnect the ignition cable from the distributor and pull the cable out the instrument side of the tank.

Hope this helps

[RawhideKid]

WHOA, WHOA!!! Before you start pulling any wires around or through anywhere, REMOVE both cables from the battery!!!

[loubob]

x2 with Mikeinnj.
I used Moyer Gas Tank Renu located in Greensburg,Pa. Excellent work!!!
Gas Tank Renu are franchised and there may be one closer to you.
Do it right. You won't regret it.

[preppypyro]

Thanks for all the replies.

I decided to give it a shot with some of that evapo rust.

I do have a pencil filter installed on the inside of the tank on the shut off.

No disrespect to any members, but I didnt ask for opinions on coating the tank, although I appreciate the concerns.
Although Im new here and fairly new to model A cars, Ive done lots of work on old tractors and motorcycles with very good luck with tank coatings.

Just have never paid attention to what they actually did when I gave them the tank to clean lol!

[Tom Wesenberg]

I would remove the tank valve and connect a barbed fitting with a hose going to a bucket. Fill the tank with a couple gallons of gas and rock the car back and forth, side to side, as it drains into a cloth covered bucket. Keep repeating until no more junk collects on top of the cloth. Then use RUST911 or similar to remove most of the remaining rust. Then install the pencil filter and drive the car.

[preppypyro]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

I would remove the tank valve and connect a barbed fitting with a hose going to a bucket.

Great idea, thank you! Will look for a fitting tomorrow!