Gas Tank - New or Fix?

[bpossel]

When I purchased my car a few months ago, I noticed that the filler neck of my gas tank had some rust and I knew that this is one thing that I need to  correct someday.

Question:  What is the groups opinion on fixing a slightly rusted tank?  Spend $800 for a new one or spend $150 to have the tank professionally cleaned and "fixed"?

Note:  When I changed the fuel filter on my car a couple of months ago, the filter and canister were clean and rust free....

Thanks for your opinion...
Bob

bpossel
Memphis, TN.
1971 280SL
1997 E320

[hauser]

If they claim it could be as good as new I would go with the $150.00 option.

1969 280sl 5 spd        1999 ML320          Gainesville,Fl.

[mdsalemi]

Gents,

I have beaucoup problems with my fuel tank.  Though I don't have any rust per se, it seems to have "issues" as we say.  Some of our dear friends JA17 Joe Alexander and Dr. Benz Dan Caron are well aware of my problems.

What happens with me is that as my tank gets down to close to 1/2 tank, it seems to "suck some air".  Gernold seems to think that my fuel pickup line inside might have holes in it.  Tim Kidder at K&K in Sparta Michigan agrees.  (n.b. K&K is a sheet metal supplier for MB cars)

One curious item is that there is a neat welded patch on my fuel tank; sometime in the past 35 years, SOMEONE was inside.  Whether or not this has anything to do with my problems is anyone's guess, but sometimes the diagnosis is more costly then the cure.

Good News:  K&K has had new 280SL style fuel tanks manufactured in Eastern Europe, and on his next import container the first load is on them.  Next spring I'll pick one up.  I don't think he's set the price yet but you can be sure it'll be less then the MB price.


Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[bpossel]

I am going to remove my gas tank today and have it examined.

If it is too bad to fix, can anyone tell me where to buy a new or good used tank for the best price?  

Thanks!
Bob

bpossel
Memphis, TN.
1971 280SL
1997 E320

[bpossel]

I removed the gas tank and took it to a local shop that restores tanks.  It appears that my tank has been lined before, so they can't fix it.

I called a place in the Indianapolis area, Gas Tank Renu, they quoted me approx $450 to cut open, sand blast and reline..

Does anyone have any experience with them?  Can anyone suggest a place that sells a new tank for a reasonable amount?  Help!


Thanks,
Bob

bpossel
Memphis, TN.
1971 280SL
1997 E320

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by bpossel

Does anyone have any experience with them?  Can anyone suggest a place that sells a new tank for a resonable amount?  Help!

Check here:

http://www.sl113.org/data/show_table.asp?table_name=usr_parts_and_service_suppliers

Call as many places as you have time to, I'm sure you'll find several sources.  If someone says "We don't repair or sell fuel tanks", then ask who does.  You might end up adding new vendors to our database!

Best of luck.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[George Davis]

Bob,

I'd think that Gernold at SL Tech might have a good tank or two around, although shipping cost might be high. I'd also try calling any MB wrecking yards in your area.  Shops that work on older MB's might be able to suggest sources of used parts.

Your original post says "slightly rusted" - that probably describes many gas tanks. Is it so bad it needs serious work?  I've seen a couple of suggestions for do-it-yourself rust removal here, like filling the tank with clean gravel and shaking it around, or dropping a length of chain in and shaking it around.  (I expect one would want to remove the strainer before doing either.)  If the tank is structurally sound, I'd be inclined to try something like that.

Good luck with it.

George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual

[mdsalemi]

Hey folks,

I'd seriously check with K&K for a new gas tank before spending $400 on reworking...if you recall there's a lot going on inside our gas tanks (remember Joe Alexander's pictures?) and all the relining you do isn't going to change any of that.  When you see Joe's pix of the flower pot etc. inside the 113 tank, you'd have to be somewhat crazy to put gravel or chains inside and slosh it around.


Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[bpossel]

Thanks for all of your replies and suggestions.  I made over a dozen calls today seeking the lowest price for a new tank.  Even though I wanted to get my old tank repaired, I guess in the long run the new tank will be much better...

Of all of the places I called, "Rusty" had the lowest price and was VERY helpful!  I should receive my new tank by mid next week.  If anyone is interested in the price, please email me and I'll respond to your email.  Also, does anyone need my old tank?

Again, thanks to all who replied.
PS. My new canvas top will have to wait until next year now...
Bob

bpossel
Memphis, TN.
1971 280SL
1997 E320

[bpossel]

I took another look at Joe's "gas tank tour" and I am glad now that I am buying a new tank.  Even if mine could have been recoated, it may have just caused more problems with as complex as our gas tanks are.  Thanks Joe for the "tour".
Bob

bpossel
Memphis, TN.
1971 280SL
1997 E320