Vintage Corvette Tank Repair

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.

O.L.A. stamped logo, they were the tank supplier for Corvettes. Row of spot welds indicate one of the internal baffle locations.

Cleaning up the mess from 50+years of use, and installing new anti-squeak strips.

New filler neck hose while I have the chance and good access, then slipping the tank back into place.

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.

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.

Congrats! Good write-up. Thanks for sharing.

looking good Bill!