VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1958-1960 gas tank

I have a 58 chevy bel air, it has been sitting for a very long time. I got it started, put points, plugs, new spark plug wiring, and rotor cap. It runs decent, like a good ole six should. I put an additive in the gas tank (stablizer) been wanting to take off the gas tank and clean and flush it. What kind of things should I look out for before attempting this. Is there a kit for this?

Don't know about a "kit" for cleaning one ... might check the Eastwood cataloge for that answer.

Depends on whats going on inside the tank , you will know after you pull it and check inside . If it has sat a long time you probably have a "shellac-type" substance that will flush out by putting a short length of chain in your tank and shake like a scared kitty with Parkinson's LOL ... then flush with cleaning solvent.

I have used a inner tank coating product called Kreem before with good results ... again look at Eastwood.

One thing, upon removing the tank try not to loose any of the rubber filler neck connectors and when you replace them with new you will be able to get an exact lenght..... and make sure you replace them with hose design to be used with gasoline. Also note if rubber pad/straps are used for cushioning at contact points and replace them with like material.

Good luck.

Hey Badboy,

I was going to say this yesterday; but forgot. (Gee, that's nothing new!!!)

Anyway, I'd suggest you check on the inside of the gas tank before you run the car any more. Presuming there IS "shellac-type stuff," like Rank mentioned, plus gummy, gooey other krap in the tank from sitting for a very long time, BEST to get rid of that stuff before it fouls up your lines, fuel pump, carb, etc. etc.

Frankly, I'd do the tank check / clean-up before running the engine any more at all. Just my 2 cents.....

Bill.

Thanks alot for your input!

Sure 'nuf Bad Boy. Another thing to check on would be the brakes. After sitting "for a very long time," easy to have issues with wheel cylinders (rusty), lines, master cylinder and so on. As long time friend in my region says, doesn't matter if the car runs, if it won't STOP!

You're not the first guy that has fired one up after sitting a long time. I seem to recall somebody made up a "check list" for this situation. Might be worth it to check the "search" button. "Search" is at the top of page, toward the right hand side. Or maybe somebody knows where that list is and will paste it in this thread. (If there even is such a list. Just seems to me like there is......)

Bill.

badboy, where in Ca do you live? I had a tank done that had sat for 26 years by a local radiator shop and have not had any problems with it since. Good luck with your project.

This car has been crusing,brakes are ok, but I should pack the wheel bearings. It does pull to the left if I remember, needs adjusting. It sat don't know how long in Morro Bay, CA. That is probably wheren it got it's rust.

CA

badboy, I am not sure what "CA" means?? I live in Arroyo Grande, Ca very near to Morro Bay.

CA is an abbrevation for "CALIFORNIA!"

I know what Ca stands for. I was just wondering were in Ca that you lived?

1933 Master!!!!!

hoppy

I think that he is talking about a 1958 Bel-Air not a 33 Master???

You are correct Sal.....badboy is talking about a 1958 Bel Air and not a 1933 Master. Regarding "CA" he was referring to California because that is where he lives.

I saw that he lives in Ca and since he bought the car in Morro Bay I thought that he may live close to me. If he does I have a great radiator shop that could boil out his gas tank. I live fairly close to were he bought the car. Thats it and I am out of here!!!

Sounds like that is your story and you are sticking to it!

Happy Thanksgiving!

with Bill.

Bob

With Bob.....

You got that right Skip. Hope you and the misses have a great T-Day.

I live about 2 hours up north from Morro Bay. I found the car on Cragslist last June. My goal is to one day drive the 58 down there, almost dressed like going to a football after game dance on a Friday night. I never thought of the tank being boiled out. I will look up north here closer to me. Could you give the name of the place that could do that, just in case no one up here does that type of work?

Thanks

It is: Industrial Radiator
1625"A" E Donovan Rd
Santa Maria, Ca
805-928-3847

This is a family owned and operated business. They boiled out two gas tanks for me and lined them, to this day I have had no problems with the lining. Hope that this will help.

Thanks Sal!

I don't know where else to post this, but my son is having troubles with both lower beam lights not working. He did the fuse (don't know if blown) checked the bulbs and still only the high beams work. I think it's a 2008 Chevy Impala, I don't know where the manual is for now. Any help greatly appreciated.