Re: replacement gas tank in a 1951-56 Packard

Posted by BH On 2019/8/27 18:15:29

Thanks to info, here, from 56Clippers and follow-up from ptv, I ordered one of these tanks from Auto City Classics - call (800) 828-2212. When I asked if they bought out Kanter's stock, they told me that THEY had the tanks made.

When the package arrived, I was concerned about the odd shape of the box, but it looks like they selected an oversize box and carefully folded and stapled the end flaps to stabilize the filler neck. IMHO, the inner box is only suitable for stocking in the warehouse.

I didn't have time to do a measured Q.C. check, but I did take time to compare it to an OE tank that I had taken out of one of my Patricians (due to repeated rust clogs in the fuel line/pump/filter). Visually, the stampings of the tank look identical to the OE. In spite of the fact that these tanks originate from Taiwan, I wonder if someone found the original forming/punching/trimming dies.

The fittings for the fuel line and drain (and drain plug itself) are different from original, but that's rather inconsequential to me. I'm just happy that it has a provision for a drain (as original). The plug threads will get a wrap of teflon tape to ensure it can be removed (if needed) later.

The flange for the level sender and the flange at the end of the filler neck for the gas cap are identical to the original. I suspect that these were likely standard shelf items, back in the day. The flange for the gas cap DOES NOT have any sort of crease, dimple or groove added; the vented cap from my original tanks fits perfectly.

The vent tube coming off the filler neck swings out a bit wider on the new tank, which might explain some misalignment with the vent tube coming out of the tank body, but the tubes on the OE tank don't line up perfectly, either. Again, that's a bit inconsequential to me since the two ends are connected with a nice flexible piece of rubber hose (as original), which is included with the new tank.

The neck is formed a bit differently from the original, which is also inconsequential to me, but when I placed the two tanks face-to-face, the end of the neck is about an inch lower. It's not that the neck is shorter, but that the lower bend needs a little tweaking. I called Auto City Classics about this, and they advised that a broom handle slipped into the end of the neck should give enough leverage to make some adjustment, but warned about breaking the solder joint to the tank.

I don't have time to work on that right now, but just wanted to make sure I got one of these tanks while they were still available. Eventually, I will make an outline (as someone else did) to give me a better idea of where to bend and try to come up with a way to hold the bottom of the neck to avoid straining the solder joint.

Adjusting the neck might actually involve more time/effort (compared to fixing a mangled gas cap flange), but I'm happy with this tank (and the lower price). It's about as close to original as you might ever get.