So I had read on here that once I get my fuel tank dropped that I could restore it. This is what I want to do as I enjoy that and can save some money there and do a good job at that. Was said that you could simply take your tank to a radiator shop and that they could check the seal(s) and whatever else is normally done.

Well maybe I didn't read into this enough because aside from the straps and exterior of the tank, I was going to have a shop do the interior of the tank and was curious what all that entails? Something about etching and again, check seals, etc...?

I did call a random radiator shop today to check about getting this done. Guy informed me that most shops do not do this. On one hand he sounded knowledgeable, but then on the other he didn't. Said that shops stop doing that but rather just get new pieces (referring to radiators and other items as such). I live in the North Seattle area and I really don't think that there isn't a place that could do this. Your alls thoughts?

Had thought that whatever a shop would or could do with regard to my gas tank that it should run about $20-40. Is that ball park right?

Anything else you can provide on this?

Thanks much!

Anyone? Is this in the wrong place?

so you want to restore the tank? like seal it?

http://www.por15.com/Data%20Sheets/fuel%20tank%20sealer%20pdf.pdf

I have no idea on price. I think the theory here is feasability and liability.

A radiator shop CAN USUALLY "fix" a fuel tank. They may not want to. It's cheaper to buy a new tank and install it and be done with it. From their standpoint. What if the tank in question is full of holes and they "fix it"... and it leaks? The customer will come back complaining. Or if it's full of rust and they patch it up and a month later, something else comes unglued?

They don't want to be part of this, so they'll suggest replacing the thing.

But, if you're insistent, I'm sure you could find a place that'll be willing to check & clean it. What I'd do is ask the shop if they can steam clean and pressure test the tank for you. That lets them off the hook. If the thing flunks a pressure test, you know what your options are, and the shops not on the hook either.

Then when the thing comes back you can paint it with tank-tone &/or the above POR stuff if you feel like it and stick it back into your car all nice looking.

Guess I am just trying to save a few bucks on this. From right now, the tank doesn't look bad. I will try the route you suggested Mike with the preesure testing. What is the best indicator if I should just replace if I don't get it checked out further? Any gas tank under a car for over 30 years isn't going to look new, but that doesn't mean anything is wrong with it. As said, the steam clean thing is what I was thinking or the "etching (is that right?)". But really, should anything be done inside with or without good preesure?

So I am curious what it may cost to ship a tank. I see I could get one for about $120.

Again though, the logic here is that if I were to replace all that "looks" old, then I would be buying new parts everywhere for this car when in reality, it just needs some TLC... know what I mean? Good logic on retstoring?

My theory on this is everything I touch(ed) will be screwed up and I'll replace it. So if I don't want to rebuild my car (which I already did), I try to not dig into stuff, unless it's needed.

If the tank is not leaking and it looks fuggly, take it out and have it steam cleaned and checked. You'll get an OPINION on the condition after that's done. It'll be clean on the outside. The inside will be able to be seen, it'll be clean and inspectable. If it looks ok - leave it alone. Paint the outside of the tank... most folks like Eastwood "tank tone". Now it'll look pretty and new. Reinstall the sending unit (assuming it's alright) and you're back in business. If it begins leaking in 1 month or 4 years from now - replace it. Until then, use it.

You can get a tank locally, from the autoparts store, to save on shipping... but it won't be as cheap as you can get online. You need to do the cost v. benefit on that. Make sure your tank is made by spectra premium if you get a replacement.