Replacement Fuel Tank source?

[Steve O.]

Short version: Fuel tank in my '94 Sub has at least two slow leaks. Dropped the skid plate and the plastic "tub" last night and could not believe how rusty it was. The tub was full of flaked off rust, small rocks, and dirt. Patched both drips with a auto store "fuel tank repair" kit made up of some two part epoxy and 'glass cloth. Seems to be holding for now but obviously I need to replace the tank.

-Any thoughts on where to find a replacement?

-Is there a plastic option for this truck?

-If not, any thoughts on spraying the new metal tank with undercoating before installation?

-Replacing the sending unit/pickup assembly seems like a must, yes? Seems like the dealer is the only source for these though, at almost $300.00

-Will I ever be done replacing things on this truck?

As always, thanks,

Steve

[tloomis]

You can get a replacement from Classic Industries for 159.95 + shipping. Here is the URL http://www.classicindustries.com/
Most Auto parts stores can special order one. For example I looked on Auto Zone and they can special order one for 139.99. Here is their URL http://www.autozone.com

[ 01-23-2005, 03:57 AM: Message edited by: tloomis ]

[catmandoo]

napa can get them too.and you are pretty well stuck with gm for the sending unit.

[catmandoo]

team chev in scottsbluff ne has real decent prices on parts try them for the sender

[Spindrift]

Does the sock come with the sending unit assembly?

[GMCfourX4]

SteveO;
I have a Sub tank and sending unit at my house, which I bought online a while back, and don't remember what I paid for it. I just checked AutoZone, and their price of $125.00 for a '94 Sub 42gal tank is way below all of the places I had bookmarked before. I also have a sending unit which I gotwww.rockauto.com (http://www.rockauto.com/applet3.html) they're currently listing it for $263.89 If you need it right away, you can take mine (as long as you order me another one ;) ) I got all this stuff to add a second tank in the former spare tire location, and spec'd out all the parts for a '97 Sub, but I think they're the same. I live very close to CharlieP, so let me know.

-Chris

[ees]

My fuel tank was in big trouble on my truck also. It was not leaking yet, but it would have soon. I picked one up in a local junk yard for $65. (Check www.car-parts.com (http://www.car-parts.com) if you have not already). It did not have a sending unit. Like others have said it is only available through the dealer. I called 15 junk yards that had tanks for sale to see if they had the sending unit. None did.

My sending unit was shot, but I lucked out. The greasy stuff that seals the top kept the rust from getting too close to where the lines go into the top of the tank. I was able to cut the lines about an inch from where they go into the tank. I used compression fittings from www.mcmaster.com. (http://www.mcmaster.com.) Search on 50915K222 for the style. I don't remember if that is the correct size but it worked well. The fittings clamp onto the OD of the steal line and give you a pipe fitting to use whatever connection you want. I then used push-on fittings and hydraulic hose to replace the fuel lines to the front of the truck. These are no longer available through the dealer and I could not find a hydraulic shop that could make the proper ends.

Before I installed my new tank I painted it with POR-15 along with the entire rear half of the frame, and the tank skid plate. That stuff is amazing.

[Steve O.]

Chris, you're The Man for thr offer, which I really appreciate. I am all set at the moment but can't thank you enough for offering that stuff up.

Eric: The POR-15 thing is a great idea. I did my frame with it, as well as the whole floorpan on the interior of my '71 Camaro. Don't know why I didn't think of it for this app, but its the perfect answer.

Thanks

Steve

[GMCfourX4]

SteveO;
No problem, like I said, I am NOT interested in starting this project with all the white stuff flying around lately (although an additional 42 gallons on fuel out back would probly help traction a bit :D ) I hope to see you this weekend at the dyno day!

-Chris

[Steve O.]

Well, you know I'll be there!

Looking forward to it!.

Steve

[ees]

Steve if you don't want to get another tank POR-15 makes tank sealers. Since with the GM tanks you can remove all the small parts you don't have to worry about plugging things up. It would not be cheap since I think you would need two kits for that size, but it is a thought.

Plus then you don't have to figure out how to get rid of the old tank. Mine is still sitting outside my garage. Need to work on that...