In need of new gas tank on 63 olds

[oldz442]

So hot in St Louis today that my gas tank exploded! If anyone has a tank for a 63 f-85 in good shape im in great need. I was suppost to take it to a firework show this weekend, but had my own fireworks instead. Thanks oldz442

[jetfireguy]

i need one also. about ready to have mine relined, but dont know if it needs to be baked after relining, or even if anyone does that. anyone had any experience?

[jetfireguy]

I still need some input on the best way to repair or replace a gas tank on a ’63 Jetfire. Surely someone has had some experience with it. How about your thoughts?

[Jim Noel]

Hi,
Sounds like you two still need gas tank help. My ’62 gas tank leaked when it was filled. Could always smell gas until the tank was down to 1/2 full. Never saw any leaking gas on ground. During 2006 rebuild of this Jetfire, I took tank out and could not find leak myself. Took to a nation wide commercial service, Gas Tank Renu USA gastankrenu.com/
They estimated $150 for the repair and seal coating job. They had the tank 1 week and the final bill came to $208.15 with a new sender gasket and fuel tube pick-up sock (filter). I was not real happy with the price, but they did the job! No leaks or odor of gas anytime for the past 5 years!
Not quite sure just what “blown-up” means. If there is still a “tank” to work with, maybe the could fix? They do list 3 locations in Illinois. Don’t see any in Kansas though.
Jim

[oldz442]

Thanks for the reply Jim. My tank had some rust holes and the pressure from the heat blew out these soft spots. I currently fiberglased the holes for repair, but would like to find a tank in good shape. One of our members called me and said he had one in California, he also said the Jetfire ones are different than an f-85 which I didn’t know. Would love to have his tank but was out of my price range. Any help from other members would be great! Thanks Sean oldz442.

[Jim Noel]

Hi Sean,
I have attached the page from the 1963 Oldsmobile Master Parts book. All F-85 fuel tanks are the same part number. The difference is in the “bolt on” pick-up and fuel gauge sender unit. You should be able to use ANY 1963 F-85 fuel tank and use your Jetfire fuel pick-up, fuel return and gauge unit. This unit uses a fuel return (second steel line shown in my last post) coming out of the top of the tank. The fuel return system was used on all Jetfire’s and California F-85 cars, to meet the low fuel emission requirements of the day. The fuel pick-up, return and fuel gauge sender units are interchangeable with all tanks. When you swap this part, make a new gasket and seal it well. The final difference in the Jetfire fuel system is the fuel pick-up sock or filter that fits on the pick-up tube in the bottom of the tank, it is longer/larger (see attached). I am not real sure just how critical this is, they can be hard to find.
Jim

[Jim Noel]

Sorry about the fuzzy pic’s. Here they are again.
Jim

[jetfireguy]

Thanks a bunch, Jim. I have seen the national ads but wanted some moral support. The compatibility info is really helpful also.

[bcroe@juno.com]

RENU has been saving my tanks. More like $500, but it must be done.
I like to pull & check tanks about every 15 years; replace those hoses
& check fuel lines. Supports can fail too, imagine your tank dragging
behind the car. Bruce Roe

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