I still have the original gas tank on my '57 T-Bird. No holes or serious problems that I am aware of but the guy who restored my dual quad carbs recommended that I replace the tank or clean and seal it. Thinking about having a radiator shop boil it out and use the new gas tank sealer. Hate to spend the money for  new tank if I don't have to but do not want to have a problem later that would be worse.

Rock Auto lists one for $158.

  Vic Correnti

IF you're having to use the ethanol fuel, you best do something.I THINK I've seen stainless steel tanks offered for the 'Birds by one or more of the '55-'57 'Bird parts suppliers.  I'm sure that they're more expensive than what Vic quoted, BUT...


NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

This ethanol goat piss we get for gasoline WILL loosen up every bit of trash in an old tank .It happened to me.I tried cleaning it out and after having the tank out twice I gave up and bought a new one.If you are going to try it I would suggest using an inline filter and carry a spare.I am in the motorcycle business and I have ,over the last 40 years tried every tank sealer i could find on the market-none of them are IME a long term solution- not to say there isnt one that performs as advertised,I just havent seen it yet.

The ethanol absorbs moisture, also.  -And IF the vehicle sits for an extended period of time, phase separation of the fuel takes place!Not desirable... and NOT GooD! 


NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

I bought a new tank on ebay,(called bufalo tanks)made in canada,it was for a 1967mercurey i am sure they had a listing for tbirds. i put myn in 1957 ranchero with some majer mods to the ranchero.verry good quality. i put in some 2cyle oil every 4 or 5 tankfulls.couple of ounces.sender fits. cost me 250 plus frt. tryed the tanke restore no sucksess as well.

8 years ago I had a 55 passenger car tank "boiled out" and coated with some type of a sealant. It was done by a radiator shop that has been in business for over 50 years. They charged me $67.50 --- that's the truth as I swear on the Bible. I wondered what I was getting for that price... I have had "0" problems with ethanol fuel in the tank and the tank has been 1/4 full, 1/2 full, FULL, or nearly empty at different times over those 8 years, and there have been times (such as now) that the car has sat for OVER A YEAR and then run fine with no problems whatsoever. I do not know what sealant they used... who knows it could be stuff now banned by the EPA. I will say it has done its job and it was cheaper than a new one. I was assured of an exact fit to my vehicle as well once I got it back from the shop.

Daniel Jessup

Lancaster, California

aka "The Hot Rod Reverend"
check out the 1955 Ford Fairlane build at www.hotrodreverend.com

Thanks for the input. Any other experiences, good or bad, with gas tank sealer would be appreciated. I will call the radiator shop I am planning to use and see what they have to say. Larry's Thunderbird parts has a new tank for $260 plus shipping. I have done a lot of business with them and have had no complaints.  

Talked to radiator shop. $80 to boil it out. $40 for a quart of sealer from POR plus shipping. That's about $130. Found Canadian made new tank on Ebay with o ring and retaining ring for $204 shipped to my door. Ordered it last night. Not going to mess with it for $74. Would have to take it to radiator shop and pick it up. Tank delivered to my door. No brainer.

Slumlord
For what its worth I think you made a good choice. My '56 Victoria had had the tank boiled out with some kind of sealer put in and a while after I got it I had problems and had the tank inspected and all the sealer was coming off. The company that had done it (I had the paper work) said it was a "lifetime warranty"....only problem their dealer or agent, (the shop that had done it) went out of business and warranty was only good a that shop. I gave up and put on a new tank and no problem since. I think you'll be a lot happier with the new one.
Jim

Location:Washington,Ia