Hello,
Do I have to remove the gas tank on my 1927 Roadster in order to seal it ?
Randy, are you sure it needs sealed? It is a big job and lots of horror stories afterwards using sealer....... I should mention this as otherwise might not make sense. We were the caretakers of Randys car for about 6 years before him. a couple of years ago i used an accessory float gauge that installed in place of the filler cap. the float had been coated with epoxy but swelled up and came off into the gas tank. The epoxy turned to goo and had plugged up the line several times one summer. I think it was 2009, the year of the ohio jamboree in richfield.
i would suggest draining the tank, letting it dry, and then getting a small suction or vacuum source inside to clean it out. look inside it good with a light and if you can't see a rusty inside surface, i would just use a filter .
If it is rusty, i would suggest taking the tank out, opening it up, sandblasting the inside , weld it back up and keep the tank pretty full afterwards. Sealers are just a poor band aid, IMHO. we miss the old girl !!!
I don't know your gas tank condition but if you are inquiring about sealing I would presume that there may be a particulate/rust problem. There are several processes that can be done. Yes the tank would have to be removed and presuming it is a rust problem the rust should be removed firstly, there are several methods, commercial rust removal products, vinegar-lemon juice mixture, molasses, oven cleaner and sand blasting. The method you use depends on the severity. I have used vinegar/lemon juice it works very well, and yes the tank has to be removed because this stuff has to be sloshed around and thoroughly cleaned. One badly rusted tank I jammed in to a cement mixer with a couple shovels of sand and let tumble all afternoon. For the final SEALING process there are some good products on the market and some not so good. One product is Bill Hirsch Tank Sealer so far no negative reports I have used it in my motorcycle and car tanks with out any issues. I tried a sample on a piece of metal let it set and I have found nothing that will dissolve it not even MEK, Acetone, Ether, methylhydrate or gasoline.
Improved Car new style gas tank is removed by unbolting the hook straps, removing the drain tube, and lowering out of the dash.
They can be a handful to remove, so first study the step-by-step instructions in Ford Service manual, paragraphs 1228-1257. The battery needs to be disconnected for safety as the instrument panel live wires are just behind the tank.
Randy, a 26-27 cowl tank just listed on FORDBARN for $100.. that is a pretty good price. if you do take yours out, you could have a freshened up one ready to switch. just a thought. tim
Randy, a 26-27 cowl tank just listed on FORDBARN for $100.. that is a pretty good price. if you do take yours out, you could have a freshened up one ready to switch. just a thought. tim