Gas leak near steering column

[Chris in CT]

When I removed the gas gauge I looked inside the tank, and it looks like new, beautiful grey with no evidence of rust, almost too new.

Is there any way to inspect the bottom exterior of the fuel tank above the steering column without huge dis-assembly? Is the steering column riveted directly tot he tank?

How is this repair done without dis assembly?

To answer your question directly, it isn't. You will have to remove your gas tank, have it boiled or steamed out by a knowledgeable radiator shop, silver-solder the bracket/leaking area, pressure test the tank and reinstall the gas tank. Do not allow anyone to weld the tank, the hardened sheet metal of the tank will spider-crack if you do.

Part of the joy of owning these sometimes frustrating old vehicles is doing the maintenance and upkeep on them. Part of the joy of doing the maintenance and upkeep on them is doing the job, however difficult, that you know needs to be done in order to keep them running properly and safely. Happy Motoring!

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

Altho I don't have this problem (yet) this thread has prompted me to install the dash hanger on my '30 TS as "preventative maintenance". I had my Bratton's "wish list" made out and after reading the above post I realized I didn't need to buy the lower half, saving me ~ $11. Thanks.

Partz on order...

Update on my post in this thread; I received the parts I ordered from Bratton's to install the later model '31 steering column support.

I must say I am very disappointed (and a little pi$$ed off) in the finish and fit of the parts . The finish of the support bracket is extremely rough and the threaded holes in the bottom are rusty and not threaded far enough in to tighten the clamp (see pictures). More crap Hecho en Chine. Buyers beware...





You can't see in the pictures but I also had to grind down the clamp screw heads as they are to big to fit in the holes in the clamp. The lock washers? No way will they work.

[700rpm]

Call Bratton's and complain. They'll make it right by you.

[Bob C]

Call Bert's or look on Epay and get an original.

Bob

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by 700rpm

Call Bratton's and complain. They'll make it right by you.

I sent them an e-mail as I wanted to send them pictures, no response yet, but it's early.

Originally Posted by Bob C

Call Bert's or look on Epay and get an original.

Bob

THAT'S what I should have done in the first place...

[Mitch//pa]

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i would just call...

[mshmodela]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Another thing you should never do is turn the steering wheel when the car isn't moving. This puts undue stress on everything from scrubbing the tires to the gas tank bracket, and every part inbetween. Even slow movement, like parallel parking removes much of this stress. I see people cranking the wheel from side to side while parking, with the car NOT moving, and I cringe. Even on a modern car with power steering, all those parts feel the stress, even though the power steering removes that feeling from the driver.

Gee Tom your reply reminded me of my late Father... He drilled that in to my head about not turning the wheels without rolling motion... Thanks for jaring a great memory

[Y-Blockhead]

OK all is good with Bratton's. My bracket must have been made on a Monday Morning... Wouldn't you know it I get the bad apple out of the basket