Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

If Kanters would just state in their ads the tanks will physically fit 51-6 and have a disclaimer stating the differences for 51 it would sure avoid a lot of confusion or questions

I don't understand people's reluctance to do it, but there is always the telephone, call the supplier. Probably a lot faster and more reliable than posting a question and wading thru responses over the next few days, some of which may be correct and some anecdotal.

You can PM, email, or call with any questions pertaining to any of our products or services. If you can't find a part email me.

Thanks
James From
Kanter Auto Products
1-800-526-1096
Ext 316
jfrom@kanter.com

I don't understand people's reluctance to do it, but there is always the telephone, call the supplier. Probably a lot faster and more reliable than posting a question and wading thru responses over the next few days, some of which may be correct and some anecdotal.

I guess you are right but I for one have grown to dislike doing business over the telephone and go to lengths to avoid it when possible. Seem to forget to ask something important or forget the answer if I do remember to ask the question. Email, print and photos makes it so much better for me and my increasingly feeble mind to refer back to make sure I have it right or we are thinking of the same item. I do find there are still lots of people in the old car hobby that don't share the love for email though.

I see Kanters Spring 2015 glossy catalog does list the tank as 51-6 but no mention of the difference. The ebay vendors also selling the tank still list them as 52-6.

<a href="http://s671.photobucket.com/user/JamesRFrom/media/Packard%20400/GasTank.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i671.photobucket.com/albums/vv72/JamesRFrom/Packard%20400/GasTank.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo GasTank.jpg"/></a>

NEW 1951-56 Packard Fuel Tanks
Now available by Kanter Auto Products new production fuel tanks for 1951-56 Packards. With your original Packard tank being close to 60 years old, now is the time to replace it with our NEW tank. Stop being plagued with the thought of rust and other debris flowing through your fuel systems endangering your fuel pump or carburetor. The days of boiling and reconditioning tanks are over. Each one of our tanks are precision built to OEM specs to provide the perfect fit and function like factory new. Kanter Auto Product's new tank will provide you with the assurance and peace-of-mind of many happy miles and years of use. Our fuel tanks are available in a deluxe kit for a seamless installation that includes the tank, straps, sending unit, T-bolts, vent tube and clamps or as individual components.
? Steel tank is a direct replacement of the original tank
? Tanks are Ni-Terne treated steel
? Drain plug in tank
? Original placement of threaded bung for fuel pick up
? Constructed of 18 gauge steel
? Includes correct filler neck with rolled lip for a perfect seal
Note: For 1951 models tank is larger than stock capacity and no whistle in neck portion.

Here is a side by side comparison of fuel tanks from 1951 and 1955 Patricians. The overall dimensions are virtually identical with differences being in the vent tubes and filler necks.

The 1951 tank has the filling whistle mounted on the top of the tank with a smaller diameter vent tube connected to it. The later tank has a larger diameter vent tube that has been moved to an indented area in the upper corner of the tank.

The filler necks are also slightly different with the later tank having a bit more curvature in the upper end. This was likely done to correct difficulty when filling as noted in a 1951 service bulletin.

As far as tank capacity, the specifications for each year from 1951 to 1954 show all the fuel tanks as 20 gallon, although the sending unit i the tank has a shorter float arm than the later ones, about 1/4" less.

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More comparison photos.

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Thanks James and BDeB for the photos and comparisons. That should end all discussion as to availability. I believe we can confidently tell anyone that comes on the forum needing a 51 tank that there is a repro -- albeit with minimal differences -- that will fit and work in spite of any ads they run across that say differently.

Since the question of fit seems to be answered I didn't put a lot of effort into my measurements but the 51 is about 1/4" shallower and the overall measurements are slightly smaller.

I wonder if the larger vent on later tanks allow them to be filled easier without the nozzle on the pump cutting off. Do the Kanter tanks have the larger vent tube?

Do the Kanter tanks have the larger vent tube?

You'll find the answer by looking at the photo just above in this thread of the Kanter tank.

I measured the vent tube at 3/4"

Thanks
James
Kanter Auto