How important are baffles in a 23, under the seat, gas tank?? I'm thinking of using a tank with loose baffles on a speedster.

The baffles prevent excess sloshing, 9 gal of gas when the tank is full is heavy. Baffles also add strength to the tank side walls, preventing splits or solder seam fractures.

Probably the reason the baffles are loose is they have done a lot of work over the years.

Loose baffles will continue to rattle too, noisy. Had that in a '26-'27 cowl tank, got real loud at certain road speeds. Had to change it out for a better one.

Hal-
I have a baffle in my 1919 touring that has been rattling around in it for the past 38 years. I'll let you know if it ever becomes a problem.

: ^ )

Keith

Thanks. I'm still inclined to use it. Keith, I can't wait too much longer. If I wait for you another 38 years I'll be 121 years old and probably won't care..

Hal - I had a loose baffle in my '14 and I used JB Weld inserted on a long stick to secure it in place. No more rattling from the baffle and it's been several years since I did this.

Best wishes to you and Vonnie.

Keith

Using a 3/8" dowel stick I shoved the loose baffle over to one side then dropped in a fairly strong speaker magnet (rare earth?) that just fit through the filler hole. Pushed it to the side and then slid the loose plate over it. No more noise.

Charlie, a lot of T gas tanks have been fixed with magnets, Frank

"I had a loose baffle in my '14 and I used JB Weld inserted on a long stick to secure it in place. No more rattling from the baffle and it's been several years since I did this."

I'd be careful w/using JB weld. I fixed a gas cap w/JB weld and it was fine until they started putting ethanol in the gas, then the gas started eating and softening up the JB weld.

Nothing new under the sun I guess. Or under the front seat cushion any way.

Hi Ken - Thanks for the information. That small dab of JB Weld has been in there for 4 to 5 years so far with no problems, but based on your information, I'll keep a closer eye on it.

BTW, where we live we not only have gasahol, but "reformulated" gas also due to our location close to Chicago.

Keith

Whenever there is metal to metal bumping, grinding and vibrating, isn't there a possibility of creating a spark? Even if the possibility is very remote, if the possibility exists, I'd be a little concerned, especially as much as the Model T vibrates, even at a stand still. If it were mine, I'd get it fixed. Jim Patrick