Anyone ever bought one of those poly replacement tanks?

[Roothawg]

I see the polyurethaner tanks in all the new cars and I wonder if the technology has spilled(for lack of a better word) over into the aftermarket world.

I got a bad taste of the poly tanks back when I built the 53. I used one of those fuel cells like Summit and Jeg's sell. Aftr a few months it started to implode. The toop sagged an inch below the straps and just kinda looked cheesy.

Are the new ones that are supposed to be direct bolt in replacements for the 35-40 Fords any better?

[cleatus]

I have a poly tank that was ment as a replacement tank for a 32 Ford (I used it because it just happened to fit the space I had in my 40 Chevy perfectly).

Anyway, no problems with it sagging/not holding it's shape. The only complaint I have is that the aluminum threaded bit (which is molded into the tank) which the fuel pick up screws into, just spins within the plastic so you can't tighten it enough and it therefore leaks.

[Paul2748]

I have a poly tank in my 48 ford, been there about ten years. Not a bit of trouble. Extra gallons over stock too - great when your cruzin.

[cleatus]

I should clarify: It does not leak inbetween the threads. It leaks between where the aluminum bit is molded to the tank.

JB Weld has cured it for now.

[CruZer]

I have one in my '34.Works great.Just watch out you don't strip the threads installing the pick up or sending unit.
It came from Tank,Inc.

[moondisc]

Ditto what everyone else said.
Got a Tanks poly tank in the wife's 41. Bolt it in and hook it up.
Fuel cells weren't intended for street use.
Had a Aerostar poly tank in my 37 too.
The only thing that sucks is you have to keep the exhaust away from them.

[FLAT-TOP BOB]

i had one in my 47 ford coupe. got it from tanks, it always leaked at the sending unit and sagged on the bottom. no more poly for me! i also have a friend with one in a forty ford that has the same problems and soon will be changed.

[JimC]

A local father and sons rod building team uses poly tanks in their own cars and in customer cars.
They have only had one tank with a leakage concern. One tank leaked where the steel filler neck was bonded to the tank.
the tank was replaced by the dealer and all is well, now.
I was looking at steel and poly replacement tank for the 47 until you found the original.
I will use it if condition is favorable.
So, in conclusion, I think either steel or poly is acceptable.
Most, if not all, the current vehicles are fitted with the poly tanks.
Remember, steel can leak, too.
Jim

[Roothawg]

Bob Drake has a steel tank for my 36, I was trying to weigh out my options.

[SKR8PN]

I am using a poly tank from a Jeep Cherokee in my '38.
Hell,it was good enough for Jeep,it's good enough for me!
And besides that,NOBODY will make me a custom tank,the the required threaded opening, to use a Dodge truck fuel pump module........... http://photo.starblvd.net/~SKR8PN/1-5-3.jpg?i=1046935687

[SKR8PN]

I hate computers.........................

[Zeke]

There ya go SKR8PN
http://photo.starblvd.net/~SKR8PN/1-5-3.jpg

[Rix2Six]

[ QUOTE ]

Fuel cells weren't intended for street use.


[/ QUOTE ]

Never heard that before... what's the problem with running a fuel cell on the street?

[Chuck Fish]

If I'm not mistaken,there are different grades of fuel cells available,so you get what you pay for.If I was going to buy a fuel cell for street or race use I would buy the best one for my particular application.I have used them in the past in several race cars,and had no sagging or leakage,but I did research the manufacture first and made what I considered an informed decision. If the stock tank in my 36 p.u. ever goes bad(I'm sure it will in time)I will install a fuelcell or a replacement stainless tank over poly.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Chuck Fish

[moondisc]

Not that it's a problem. Just that you can't locate them under the car because of the filler neck.
With the foam filled ones, you have to use a sending unit for a fuel cell, and I haven't seen one that works right yet.

[Rix2Six]

OK... Kool... ya had me worried there for a sec.

The guy I bought my 26 from had a "custom made" fuel cell for it. 16 gallons in a aluminum box that takes up most of the tiny trunk area. I've already found out that this guy didn't know as much as he thought he did and I'm having to go through and fix things that are not up to snuff. The filler is in the trunk so it's a little hard to get to and the foam keeps the nozzle from going in all the way. With the freakin' air recycling pumps we have in So. Cal., I gotta hold the nozzle with my right hand and then hold back the outer house with my left. It's a pain in the butt but it's not impossible. If you haven't seen these gas pumps, you probably have no idea what I'm talking about. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

The sender seems to be pretty accurate but I haven't tried pushing it to the limit... maybe I should throw a gallon into a can and see how far it goes 'til I run out.

[296 V8]

i put one in my dads 40 about two years ago have had no problems

[Detonator]

We got the same pumps up here in Nor Cal and THEY SUCK. I've got about 25K miles on the TANKS poly in my '38 and have had no problems -- except for what I'm guessing is the venting. Cold, no problem. Hot, the tank wants to spit back all over the fender -- and all over my hand that's pulling the foreskin back on the damn nozzle.

BTW -- Jim, if you're still on this thread, the bezel just came. Thanks, I owe ya!

[**DONOTDELETE**]

hey root,if the 36 and 40 tanks are the same you can stop wondering about how they hold up,just come over and get this one i have and do one of those home experiments.let me know its yours for the taking.

[Roothawg]

What did you do? Buy one and not use it?
Thanks for the offer.

[gearheadbill]

Roothawg: Be careful. While the physical size and shape of a 36 and 40 tank is the same, the fuel filler location and angle IS NOT! Word to the wise. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[**DONOTDELETE**]

yes and no,it came with my 40 p/u,but i did the not so popular around here S10 frame swap. dont know about wild bill's remark,worth alittle research though.

[sawzall]

got one in my 40 ford too.. Its great. so great I bought one for the 72 chevy truck chassis under my 48 ford truck (blazer tank) both have the similar "spitback when hot problem" but as someone has previously mentioned its prohably the venting..

I'd NEVER pay for a STEEL TANK.. Just not worth the effort/

[sodbuster]

Rix2six,

Next time you fill up your tank, Turn the pump handle upside down when you fill it. Also you will have to pull the air catcher hose back. But the pipe that goes into the tank filler neck has a sensor on the bottom of it that causes it to shut off. So flip the pump handle over and it should work a lot better and it should stop catching that sensor with the puke back and shutting off the handle. I hope this makes sense, I have only had on cup of coffee.

Chris Nelson
Kansas

[Roothawg]

Sawzall, why do you think the steel tanks aren't worth the effort?
Bob Drake sells an exact duplicate of the factory tank with screw in filler collar and all. They are about the same price as the poly tanks, which is why I was anting to weigh out the options.

[Rix2Six]

Thanks sodbuster... I'll give it a try but I don't know if I can do it w/o the handle hitting the trunk lid.

Rick