I know this is the wrong forum but I couldn't find a forum on the Model A site: Anyway, I'd like to know if a new fuel tank is available for a '30 A? Also, is it a big deal to change it out? I'm looking at one and I think the tank is questionable. Thanks
No,Yes.
New reproductions are not available and it's a pain to change one but the average guy can do it. You'll have to remove the dash wiring and speedometer, remove the windshield frame, and paint it to match.
Thanks Tom, that's what I figured. I appreciate the help. Thanks again,
The tank is a close fit especially if you have a new paint job, getting it installed without scratches is a job. I rebuilt my Model A from the ground up some 23 years ago and still remember putting the gas tank back into the frame as one of the hardest jobs for me. If I had to do it again I would be sure to have some extra hands to help.
There is Fordbarn.com. They have a very good Model A forum, it's very active.
Thanks Mark on the Fordbarn site---forgot about that one----I'll check it out.
Does the 30-31 tank come in from the top (Outside)? I know most 28 and 29's did, but my 29 Town Sedan is actually inside the cowl, kinda like a 26-27 T. I think Cabriolets were the same.
Hal, '30-31 drop in from the top. There are screws and bolts around the upper edges, front and rear, On the cowl sides there are a couple of clamps. I had the tank out of my '31 Fordor and it didn't go back in place willingly. Plus there was some welting to contend with.
Hal,
There are some tricks to putting the tank in--mostly to do with getting the welting in properly--and it's not the same welting as used for the fenders! It is much smaller in diameter. on of the tricks is to staple cloth strips to the "tab" of the welting so you can pull it tight into the corners--you will also have to notch the "tab" so it will go around the corners nicely. IF your original welting is still somewhat there, use it as a pattern! The bottom windshield trim piece has to come out to do this and it is much easier with the windshield off (I am assuming a closed car).The top of the firewall should have some friction tape on it too (no welting). Friction tape is the old fabric version of electrical tape, Ford used it in many places to prevent metal-to-metal contact. It is not a difficult job, but time consuming. I have managed to do it to a painted car--and we even pre-painted the welting--but not my favorite way to do it! BTW, the welting DOES get painted, and I believe it is painted the belting color, not the body color (that's also easier to mask) but it's been a long time since I did one, my memory could be faulty! And thinking about it right now, it might be easier to mask it so it's the tank color. Hmmm. Check factory photos!
Don't know about 28/29 but on a 30/31 it's painted the same color as the tank. That's how we did my Coupe. And I recall it wasn't that difficult to mask either.
Regardless which year your A is.......when you find a tank do yourself a favor and remove the old solder and re-solder all around the steering column support bracket which is riveted and soldered to the tank. Solder over the rivets too.
The rivets are there for strength and the solder to seal everything.
Unfortunately 80+ years of vibration and flexing breaks the solder joints which results in a leaking tank.
You would be amazed at HOW MUCH GAS will evaporate from a tiny leak that doesn't even show any dripping gasoline.
I know it's hard to tell with an A (T too for that matter) IF it's leaking.......seems they smell of gas ALL the time anyway.......but if the interior seems a bit TOO gassy that is likely the problem.
Martin,
Thanks for the clarification. When I started thinking about masking, I realized it would be much easier to mask the welting off so it's the tank color than the other way around.
Like I said; it's been a loooong time since I painted one!
Craig,
My '31 doesn't have a soldered steering column bracket. They got smart and moved it up to the body cross rail. I've heard a couple guys have doubled up brackets and used the late design on earlier As to take the stress off the tank bracket.
Another very good Model A forum at
http://www.ahooga.com/wwwboard/j-index.shtml
I changed the fuel tank on my 1930 pickup; I didn't find it to be that much of a challenge but it was done with the cab off, and during the restoration, so I didn't have to try to match existing paint or mask off the rest of the body.