1933 box saloon fuel tank.

[JimR]

Good morning, I'm new to this forum malarkey so bear with me if I'm doing it wrong. Does anybody know if new fuel tanks are being made? I've looked at second hand but sellers want a fortune for a heap of rust in the shape of a fuel tank. Would much appreciate some help, all the best Jim

[Chris KC]

Jim, 1933 - is that a tank on the scuttle or behind the back axle? They changed over around then, depending on model.
There are new aluminium 'rear' tanks on eBay but not inexpensive.
Otherwise I suggest a chat with one of our trusted traders - Tony Betts perhaps - for a decent 2nd hand one.

[JimR]

Many thanks Chris, it is a rear mounted tank. I've been looking at the Compbrake alloy type, as you say quite expensive.

[Chris KC]

There was a gent from Sri Lanka posted on facebook only this week, made a steel Ruby tank in 'his garage' (sounded like he had guys working for him). Said it took 8 hours a day for 3 days. Even if you factor in some efficiency improvements / batch production that would be pricey at European labour rates.

If I were you I'd hold out for a good 2nd hand one. 

Just don't be tempted to weld an old tank, unless you have specialist knowledge; you probably already know it is seriously dangerous, but it does no harm to repeat!

[Mike Costigan]

If you want a new tank, speak to your local radiator specialist; they can usually make new tanks using your original fittings - I can't see how a basic Ruby tank takes 24 hours to make.

[Greig Smith]

Spammer - reported

[Geoff101]

I've got a Compbrake rear mount RP tank on mine. I took them up my original as a pattern. A few comments which I fed back to them to improve things:
1) They made the tank to the outer dimensions of the original but including the protruding lip. This means that it's actually a bit too big in the body. I managed to get mine mounted OK but had to sit it a bit lower.
2) The powder coat they used for the outside is affected by fuel - it takes the shine off the finish. This was a bit silly considering they were making a fuel tank.
3) I asked them to replicate the small sump on the bottom of the original. They did this but then didn't route the fuel pickup pipe into it which rendered it pretty pointless.
4) I asked them to supply it with the correct outlet fitting but they didn't so I had to procure an adaptor.
5) They just tech screwed the sender on rather than fitting a threaded ring as per the original.

On the positive side, it's fuel tight, was the correct length and they got the angle of the filler neck spot on.

[Duncan Grimmond]

I have made a couple of new tanks and they are a bit on the expensive side as there is quite a lot of work involved. They always take longer than you think they will when you take into account baffles, the hangers, breather, drain plug boss and gauge boss etc. Then add the test and offer of a guarantee and you are approaching £6-700
I’d go for S/H or an ali one, there are several specialist manufacturers out there who will do a good job for change out of £400 or so.

[JimR]

Thanks for the report re the Compbrake fuel tank, shame they made so many silly mistakes. I hope it wasn't too expensive. For the time being I have cleaned & sealed the old one & fitted a new fuel pickup pipe. No leaks so far & everything working ok.

[Brian Sutton]

Hi  Jim,

I  also  am  new  to  this  and  a  lap  top,  if  you  e/mail  me  i  may  be able  to  help.


Regards  Brian  Sutton