The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors Interior fuel tank rust for judgement.

I am concerned about amount of rust in tank. I’ve seen better and worse. Removed the sending unit( which was nothing more than a cover, no rod or float) to get these pics. Siphoned gas as best I could. Pretty sure it can be cleaned, but does it really need it? I’ve looked back on some discussions and heard opinions like changing fuel filter more frequently for example. Not sure if this tank woul qualify for that. Not sure if it’s even a good idea, just read it in other thread. I’m prepared to remove it, but not very excited about it. I do want to order the proper replacement sending unit either way. I grubbed the screws up a little getting it out. Does anyone know right off hand if new screws come with replacement? The truck has been converted to 12 volt. Does that change what unit I buy? I know ohms has something to do with it but not much else. More of my high maintenance side. lol. Hope interior forum was correct for this post. Thanks for looking.

If that's rust, don't even try to use that tank. You'll spend more fixing it and sealing it on the inside than buying a new one.

New tanks, made in Canada by Spectra, are available for about $200. (Rock Auto)

Interestingly they are better quality than the originals.

PM me about an extra one I have.


New screws usually come with a new sending unit.

I'd replace that tank. There's no telling when those rust pits get all the way thru the metal and you wind up with a potential rolling bomb. Yes, there are treatments you can do to remove the rust and coat the inside of the tank, but in my opinion are more costly and more trouble than just replacing the tank with a new one. I decided on a new tank early on and kept the old tank laying around until I saw a gaping hole in the bottom when cleaning out the garage.
Even if you clean the tank and put an in-line filter in place you'll find yourself replacing/cleaning the filter frequently, likely at very inopportune times.
I don't recall if the new fuel sender I bought came with new screws but if not, those are readily available at a hardware store. 10-32 size, IIRC.

[on edit] Otto beat me to the punch. Totally agree with him.

Removed seat and took tank straps loose. I’ll finish removing tomorrow most likely. Ordering a new tank, filler neck, sending unit, etc. I’ll update when parts arrive.

Best decision made.

You'll be super happy with all of that stuff. As you can tell by all the pictures I sent to you of the stuff I bought for Ol' Roy, I'm still happy about all of that stuff!