Replace fuel tank?

[reodds]

Hi everyone. I am facing a dilema and need some opinions from the experts.

I have an '84 V that is running well. I have to repair the deck cover over the tank (it has a small soft spot), and was wondering if this would be a good time to replace the fuel tank? The tank itself, which is aluminum, appears to be in good shape, with no obvious signs of corrosion or wear.

Should I go through the trouble of replacing it now when there are no problems, or wait until I need to?

If I replace it, I would like to put in a plastic replacement tank.

I have looked at most of the previous posts on tank replacement, and would like the best place to buy one if I decide to do it.

[Destroyer]

Given that with the new crappy gas we are getting plastic tanks only seem to be good for a much shorter time than they used to be I think I'd go with alum.... (unless I knew a good metal works place that would make me one out of stainless steel). Just my 2 cents...

[Skools Out]

if it ain't broke don't fix it.

[reodds]

Thanks guys. Are there any overt signs that the tank is going bad - other than a leak?

I'm stlll open to suggestions!

[macojoe]

I am with skools, why fix something thats not broke??

Besides that cover is just as easy to get off when and if you ever have to replaced it.

[reelapeelin]

Assuming the tank needs replaceing just cause of soft spot in tank lid is over-thinkin the situation...the soft spot can be easily repaired, but there's NOTHING easy about pullin a tank...if you have no indication of a leak or other problem, just take care of the soft spot...search for tank lid repairs on this forum...it's been don several times w/great success!!...good luck and let us know how it goes...we like pics of projects like that..helps everyone...

[reodds]

Thanks guys, you convinced me, I'll repair the tank cover in the fall, and leave the tank alone until it needs to be replaced.

In the meantime, I'm just enjoying the V!

[RWilson2526]

I had that same dilemma this spring...I even have the tank already...a custom made aluminum that came out of a 86 V20 about 3-4 years old....had the hatch off to fiberglass it...took one look at the tight fit and all that foam and said......NFW

[Richie Rich]

I would have the tank pressure tested....mine was foamed in and looked OK from the top....I pulled it anyway to clean it out as I was having fuel/engine problems...it was a pain because it was foamed in, but I'm glad I did because I had thin spots and a few pin holes in the tank which I would have never seen unless it was pulled or tested.....bought a new tank.....it was on a 87 v20

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by RWilson2526

I had that same dilemma this spring...I even have the tank already...a custom made aluminum that came out of a 86 V20 about 3-4 years old....had the hatch off to fiberglass it...took one look at the tight fit and all that foam and said......NFW

ROFL (I'll even bet I know where you got the tank)