Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Early V8 (1932-53)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 09-29-2020, 09:57 PM   #1
Drbrown
Senior Member
 
Drbrown's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Glens Falls NY
Posts: 1,267
Default Help - 47' Gas Tank Fix or Replacement

Been a bunch of time since I've been here and need some help.

My '47 long-door coupe started bucking and choking yesterday. My first hunch seemed correct as I found sediment and scale in the glass bowl of the fuel pump. It had been okay since I first owned it.

As I remember options: (1) clean and coat interior of existing tank; (2) Find someone who can take it apart and regalvanize it; (3) buy new metal; (4) buy a polypropylene replacement [if avail].

I'd prefer a metal replacement but who makes them these days ? Seem to recall postings that said no major problems with getting one with good fit.

Also, the tank is about half full. It has a drain plug but how does one drain the tank safely, and get rid of the old gas ? (I don't smoke) Thanks !

I'd appreciate some comments and recommendations. I live in upper NY State.
Drbrown is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-29-2020, 10:04 PM   #2
35fordtn
Senior Member
 
35fordtn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: McMinnville, TN
Posts: 2,327
Default Re: Help - 47' Gas Tank Fix or Replacement

Drake makes about the best metal replacement tank there is for your car. That is what we stock.
As for draining yours. Just pull the plug and drain it, and keep smokers and kids lighting fireworks away!
35fordtn is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 09-29-2020, 10:24 PM   #3
51woodie
Senior Member
 
51woodie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Chelmsford, ON Canada
Posts: 524
Default Re: Help - 47' Gas Tank Fix or Replacement

Dr. When I drained the tank in my '46 Super Deluxe Coupe, I had it up on jack stands for access. It also had about a half tank (7-8 gal) of gas in it. I got two 5 gal jerry cans and used the old "suck and spit" hose to syphon the tank as empty as I could get it. The drain plug was rounded off and I was concerned that it would be seized. It was free, so I put a 2 gal capacity catch pan under the tank and pulled the plug. about a gallon came out and no issues.

By the way. I'm confused on the terms "Long Door Coupe" and "Sedan Coupe". I was told at a car show that I had a Sedan Coupe because it had a back seat. Are the two terms the same in describing the car, or what is the difference?
51woodie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-30-2020, 12:06 AM   #4
Newc
Senior Member
 
Newc's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 2,458
Default Re: Help - 47' Gas Tank Fix or Replacement

Hi; I just finished draining the 4 yr old gas from my '48 cpe. I had a small ball valve with the same pipe thread as the plug- easy pulled plug and inserted the valve [open] then closed valve. Now gas flow was controlled into drain pan. Got 8 gallons out.- replaced plug with teflon on threads. Newc
Newc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-30-2020, 07:43 AM   #5
corvette8n
Senior Member
 
corvette8n's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: 36 miles north of Albany NY
Posts: 2,931
Default Re: Help - 47' Gas Tank Fix or Replacement

Quote:
Originally Posted by 51woodie View Post
Dr. When I drained the tank in my '46 Super Deluxe Coupe, I had it up on jack stands for access. It also had about a half tank (7-8 gal) of gas in it. I got two 5 gal jerry cans and used the old "suck and spit" hose to syphon the tank as empty as I could get it. The drain plug was rounded off and I was concerned that it would be seized. It was free, so I put a 2 gal capacity catch pan under the tank and pulled the plug. about a gallon came out and no issues.

By the way. I'm confused on the terms "Long Door Coupe" and "Sedan Coupe". I was told at a car show that I had a Sedan Coupe because it had a back seat. Are the two terms the same in describing the car, or what is the difference?
Yep mean the same thing.
corvette8n is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-30-2020, 10:00 AM   #6
Kube
Senior Member
 
Kube's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 8,935
Default Re: Help - 47' Gas Tank Fix or Replacement

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Drbrown,
For the reasonable cost of a new tank and the subsequent confidence you'll get from it, I'd strongly suggest you replace it... avoid the frustrations surely to come with the old tank.
As Mr. Driskell has advised, Drake makes a very nice tank for your car and it's easy to install. I know, I've installed two in these models.
__________________
"I can explain it for you. However, I can't understand it for you".
Kube is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-30-2020, 10:58 AM   #7
Drbrown
Senior Member
 
Drbrown's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Glens Falls NY
Posts: 1,267
Default Re: Help - 47' Gas Tank Fix or Replacement

I've seen members/owners use both terms in describing the Sedan or Long Door coupe. I suspect the official term is "Sedan". In regard to the gas tank, probably all '47's (or other years) use the same tank.
Drbrown is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-30-2020, 11:04 AM   #8
Drbrown
Senior Member
 
Drbrown's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Glens Falls NY
Posts: 1,267
Default Re: Help - 47' Gas Tank Fix or Replacement

Thanks to all for your quick responses. Yes, I'd be concerned about trying to coat/seal up the existing tank; one doesn't know how thin so areas might be corroded. I'll check with Dakes' and hope he's got one in stock.
Drbrown is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-30-2020, 11:09 AM   #9
35fordtn
Senior Member
 
35fordtn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: McMinnville, TN
Posts: 2,327
Default Re: Help - 47' Gas Tank Fix or Replacement

the part # is 11A-9002 If they are out of stock, we stock his tanks at the same price.
35fordtn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-30-2020, 11:29 AM   #10
Automotive Stud
Senior Member
 
Automotive Stud's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 831
Default Re: Help - 47' Gas Tank Fix or Replacement

I think mine came from Drake years ago, it fit no problem. I recently cleaned the one in my '40 because it didn't look too bad, but I still had an issue with a plugged fuel line. In retrospect I should have just changed it also. As for the gas, I'd drain it into a large drain pan, then strain it and pour it back in the tank when you're done.
Automotive Stud is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-30-2020, 11:58 AM   #11
Drbrown
Senior Member
 
Drbrown's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Glens Falls NY
Posts: 1,267
Default Re: Help - 47' Gas Tank Fix or Replacement

Issue resolved. Just ordered an in-stock replacement from Drake. Yes, they use part #11A-9002 for the tank, which fits 1941 thru 1948 Fords (I guess all models ?). However, hole for sensor unit in their replacement is smaller than stock and of course they sell a new sender unit to fit in either 6 or 12 volt - part #99A-9275. My ford was converted to 12 volt and I have Runtz voltage reducers on each dash gauge. So ordered the 12 volt sender and will remove the voltage reducer from the gas gauge. I've read posts about problems with different types of sender units i.e. stock vs. resister type and hope what Drake sends me works. If not, I'll adapt the existing stock sender to the tank somehow.

Otherwise, have an electric pump at tank outlet for priming carb at start-up but its the "flow-thru" type and should give no problem. Although the engine was hard-starting due to sediment in carb, it would run but suffered from inadequate gas flow. I'm cleaning the mechanical pump, carb and will gently blow out the fuel line before installing the new tank.

Although not an inexpensive solution, this is a good investment in a great car.
Drbrown is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-30-2020, 12:54 PM   #12
Kube
Senior Member
 
Kube's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 8,935
Default Re: Help - 47' Gas Tank Fix or Replacement

Quote:
Originally Posted by Drbrown View Post
Issue resolved. Just ordered an in-stock replacement from Drake. Yes, they use part #11A-9002 for the tank, which fits 1941 thru 1948 Fords (I guess all models ?). However, hole for sensor unit in their replacement is smaller than stock and of course they sell a new sender unit to fit in either 6 or 12 volt - part #99A-9275. My ford was converted to 12 volt and I have Runtz voltage reducers on each dash gauge. So ordered the 12 volt sender and will remove the voltage reducer from the gas gauge. I've read posts about problems with different types of sender units i.e. stock vs. resister type and hope what Drake sends me works. If not, I'll adapt the existing stock sender to the tank somehow.

Otherwise, have an electric pump at tank outlet for priming carb at start-up but its the "flow-thru" type and should give no problem. Although the engine was hard-starting due to sediment in carb, it would run but suffered from inadequate gas flow. I'm cleaning the mechanical pump, carb and will gently blow out the fuel line before installing the new tank.

Although not an inexpensive solution, this is a good investment in a great car.
I think you'll be pleased with the outcome sans the sending unit. Those units are poopy.
__________________
"I can explain it for you. However, I can't understand it for you".
Kube is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-30-2020, 06:38 PM   #13
JSeery
Member Emeritus
 
JSeery's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Wichita KS
Posts: 16,132
Default Re: Help - 47' Gas Tank Fix or Replacement

The issue with the sending unit is not who sells them, but resistance type vs pulse-current type. You'll just have to see if you can live with the resistance type, it does not provide the same curve to the gauge as the fuel level changes as the original unit does.
JSeery is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-30-2020, 06:57 PM   #14
35fordtn
Senior Member
 
35fordtn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: McMinnville, TN
Posts: 2,327
Default Re: Help - 47' Gas Tank Fix or Replacement

Quote:
Originally Posted by JSeery View Post
The issue with the sending unit is not who sells them, but resistance type vs pulse-current type. You'll just have to see if you can live with the resistance type, it does not provide the same curve to the gauge as the fuel level changes as the original unit does.

This is true, and I can check three of the same reproduction units and thay can vary in resistance. What I do, is measure the depth of the tank, and mount the repoduction sending unit to the edge of a 2x4. I hook it up to the car and externally bend the arm until the full and empty level reads right. It's a a little time consuming but have worked well for me.

It's important to remember these units (primarily made by carpenter) are a "one size fits all" for 1936-55 Fords.
35fordtn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-01-2020, 12:23 PM   #15
Bill OH
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 423
Default Re: Help - 47' Gas Tank Fix or Replacement

I would replace the fuel lines - do not use old fuel lines with new tank.
Bill OH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-01-2020, 02:09 PM   #16
51woodie
Senior Member
 
51woodie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Chelmsford, ON Canada
Posts: 524
Default Re: Help - 47' Gas Tank Fix or Replacement

As Michael described, the sender arms need to be adjusted. I had a generic sender until I found and rehabbed an original KS. It is a bit of trial and error, but it helps to make the sender a bit more accurate. I had to put a Z bend in the float wire to get it short enough so the float didn't hit top or bottom.
51woodie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-01-2020, 05:37 PM   #17
rich b
Senior Member
 
rich b's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 1,813
Default Re: Help - 47' Gas Tank Fix or Replacement

If I had a good operational original sender; I would modify the new tank to accept it.
rich b is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-02-2020, 03:29 AM   #18
FortyNiner
Senior Member
 
FortyNiner's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: u-rah-rah-Wisconsin
Posts: 1,129
Default Re: Help - 47' Gas Tank Fix or Replacement

^ What Rich said (I just did this).
__________________
19 and 49 F1 - jes' like Henry II built
1946 Deluxe - as Henry built it
FortyNiner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-29-2020, 12:34 PM   #19
Drbrown
Senior Member
 
Drbrown's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Glens Falls NY
Posts: 1,267
Default Re: Help - 47' Gas Tank Fix or Replacement

The Drake tank fit perfectly. Only removal trouble was the rusted-up spring-loaded bolt on the tank front-flange .... had to saws-all the old tank flange to get tank out.

Re fuel sender unit issue, Drake wants one to use their 12v unit, so i had to remove my existing 12v>6v voltage reducer at dash gauge. I hoped to use OE sender unit which works fine. Drake's outer tank flange bolt pattern matches the OE spacing but make their tank opening for the sender a bit too small for the OE to drop-in. So I adjusted the arm on their sender per the box directions, put it and we'll see how it behaves. Only options: (1) make Drake's tank hole larger = sawing their tank flange opening slightly larger, and that would require removal of new tank .... a PIA. (2) The OE sender has its mechanism on its underside enclosed in a housing, which due to its diameter prevents its installation in the Drake tank. I notice Drake does not enclose their sender mechanism which is also on the underside, so why not remove the OE enclosure so it can fit into the tank opening (???) I am concerned about electrical sparking in any mechanism.
Drbrown is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:57 AM.