Vintage Corvette Tank Repair

Jun 14, 2012, 1:39 am
#1
Joined: Mar 11, 2007
Posts: 2,411
Following years of sitting around, the 59 Corvette had serious debri and sludge accumulation inside the gas tank. Last season that I drove it (2010) I had to change an in-line fuel filter numerous times, so I finally pulled the tank out to see what I could do.


The tank resides behind the seats and is below the convertible top storage well. It comes out the top after removing a fiberglass cover. Realizing that it was indeed solid, I decided to take it to Redistrip of Indiana rather that buying a replacement unit. They had if for just a few days and were able to chemically clean the inside. they did an excellent job. It was complicated by the fact that this tank had a series of anti-slosh baffles in it to control the contents while cornering. Interestingly, Chevrolet did not use these in 59, but became standard in the 1961 Corvette tanks, so it seems someone before 1974 had replaced this tank with one of the upgraded versions.
2006 Time Magazine's "Man Of The Year"
Jun 14, 2012, 1:41 am
#2
Joined: Mar 11, 2007
Posts: 2,411
O.L.A. stamped logo, they were the tank supplier for Corvettes. Row of spot welds indicate one of the internal baffle locations.
Jun 14, 2012, 1:44 am
#3
Joined: Mar 11, 2007
Posts: 2,411
Cleaning up the mess from 50+years of use, and installing new anti-squeak strips.
2006 Time Magazine's "Man Of The Year"
Jun 14, 2012, 1:46 am
#4
Joined: Mar 11, 2007
Posts: 2,411
New filler neck hose while I have the chance and good access, then slipping the tank back into place.
2006 Time Magazine's "Man Of The Year"
Jun 14, 2012, 1:49 am
#5
Joined: Mar 11, 2007
Posts: 2,411
New sending unit installed (gauge finally works!), vent line and mounting straps going in. Also I used air to blow out the lines between the tank and the mechanical fuel pump on the engine before hooking everything up in case there was some junk in there.
2006 Time Magazine's "Man Of The Year"
Jun 14, 2012, 1:53 am
#6
Joined: Mar 11, 2007
Posts: 2,411
Strapped down, filled and leak checked. New seam sealer installed and cover put back in place. Just a little paint touch up to do and off we went. It was fun to finally get her out back on the road last weekend for a perfect evening cruise to our favorite drive-in restaurant in Columbus.
2006 Time Magazine's "Man Of The Year"
Jun 14, 2012, 3:21 am
#7
Joined: Aug 5, 2007
Posts: 2,352
Congrats! Good write-up. Thanks for sharing.
1983 Datsun 280ZXTurbo
Jun 18, 2012, 3:42 am
#8
Joined: Jun 2, 2008
Posts: 431
looking good Bill!
Jump to