Look what I found!!

**Chief Smackaho** · 03-21-2006, 02:11 PM

Ever since I got this truck the fuel gauge hasn't worked for either tank, so I dropped the right one since I can't pull fuel out of it when I hit the tank switch for the right side, and found this..

Outlets all rusted, one seperated and held on by a thread..

Screen was bent and sending unit was sitting on it like this..

Supposed to be like this, I noticed some build up where it was contacting the tank like adhesive..

Closer look at rotted outlets,

Clamps rusted apart, They aren't even holding anything!

I let the tank lean a little bit overnight and came back out to see this, the little flap I thought at first to be a layer of the tank rusted apart. It's some king of rubber coating, like someone has tried to seal it back up. It's hard to see , but covers the whole right end.

I need new sending units and tanks but don't know where I can get a cheap tank, A**o Z**e wants $67 for the pass side sending unit, and $125 for the tank. I guess I'm going to have to clean all the rust off of it and spray on some rubberized undercoating until I can replace it.

Any thoughts? I still have yet to drop the drivers side tank..

**70chevrolet** · 03-21-2006, 02:27 PM

Nice job with the pictures. Dude, if they want less than $200 for a new tank and new sender, I'd do it. The only place that can beat the price might be a Junk yard, and at that place, you get what you pay for.

**Chief Smackaho** · 03-21-2006, 04:15 PM

I'm going to price it at the dealer, I have found that sometimes GM is cheaper.Plus the parts guy there is giving me sub-wholesale prices in anticipation of my Tax ID #

**TIMSPEED** · 03-21-2006, 07:29 PM

Isn't it...
Capt. Saveahoe & Lt. Roastaboch...?

**Chief Smackaho** · 03-22-2006, 08:34 AM

Well I just got back from GM and they were higher on this one,.. 230.00 for the sending unit, But I broke one of the mounting straps (rust) and it's only $18. I didn't even want to check the price of the tank after that, so it's Auto Zone I go..

**CKTA** · 03-22-2006, 08:41 AM

That stuff on the end of the truck could be 2 things......factory undercoat that's been protected some how......or a build-up of grease from slinging U-joints maybe?

IF the tank has a repair job and it looks scetchy.....I'd just buy a new one.

**Chief Smackaho** · 03-22-2006, 10:11 AM

I have taken the "Flap" off of the end of the tank, It looks as though someone has tried to repair it before. There is a small section of fiberglass coated on each side by some kind of rubber. I'm thinking of filling it with gas tank sealer, or metal filler until I can afford to replace the tank.

**Chief Smackaho** · 03-22-2006, 03:31 PM

I just got done sanding the rust off the end of the tank, there is a small hole about the size of GWs nose on a nickel right at the halfway point, almost to the seam where the halves are welded together.. pics when I find the digi cam..

*EDIT* Put the drop light in and found more holes, but all are small.

I hope this putty tank sealer holds

cause this is going to be a fun trip if it don't.

**StepSide4Us** · 03-24-2006, 02:11 AM

LMC trucks or Napa can get you a tank,

**riche** · 03-24-2006, 07:47 AM

don't forget about JC Whitney... Not the best parts the price is usually right.

**97Silverado** · 03-24-2006, 07:52 AM

Personally, I think $200 or so for a new tank/sending unit would be well worth the money. You really don't want to half-ass a fuel tank installation.

**Chief Smackaho** · 03-24-2006, 09:46 AM

Thanks guys for all of the reccomendations. I will be sure and check them all out. My sending unit is due in today, and I hopefully have it sealed long enough for me to gather the $$$ for the new tanks.