fuel tank options?

[CanberraBJ8]

I have discovered that my fuel tank has been patched underneath and it looks pretty dodgy. So I'm looking for an affordable replacement. Moss make a pretty reasonably priced replacement for the standard tank. However I'd really like to increase the volume of the tank to make the car a better tourer. Dennis Welch make a tank that is 1" deeper in Aluminium but its expensive! and you need to buy a different sender unit...

So are there any tanks like this in the USA at a better price that anyone knows of? So far I've come up with a blank on my searches... :grumpy:

 

[RandyHicks]

Be careful when fitting a larger tank as the height of the larger tank puts the spare tire higher and the boot lid may not close. I run 185 X15's Vredesteins (oversized) and the boot lid just closes with the standard size tank.

 

[steveg]

Jorge Cervera of Chula Vista California advertises extensively on eBay. His tanks are solidly built and there were issues with the fuel output fitting but I've heard (here maybe) those issues have been resolved.

 

[Randy Forbes]

This tank cost $185.00 to have fabricated__okay, that was a few years ago...

Dimensions exactly match the original tank, except the height, which is double; fuel capacity is now roughly twenty-eight and a half gallons (28-1/2)

Due to insurance/liability restrictions, finding someone to fabricate a fuel tank is going to be difficult, however a baffled, leak free water tank is easy!

Being how this is a two-seater, with the spare tire on the shelf behind the seats, closing the trunklid is of no concern. The fuel guage reads "full" until the tank is about half full, then starts counting down from there__not too accurately though, as by the time it reads "empty", I'm still carrying about five (>5) gallons. I'm okay with that.

 

[Keoke]

Be careful when fitting a larger tank as the height of the larger tank puts the spare tire higher and the boot lid may not close. I run 185 X15's Vredesteins (oversized) and the boot lid just closes with the standard size tank.

Treat the spare just like what it is and put a stock wheel and tire in the boot

 

[CanberraBJ8]

A friend of mine with a BJ8 rally replica doesn't carry a spare at all - in the interest of space for luggage - but uses one of the 'slime' style puncture repair kits and electric air pump. I've been thinking this option was unavailable to me as I'm using spoked wheels with tubes, rather than his mini-lights and tubeless. However at the auto shop yesterday I read on one of brands that it was usable in both tubed and tubeless tires...

Has anyone tried this stuff in tubed tires? Obviously it doesn't help you it you really damage your tire or rim, but for 'normal' problems?

 

[CanberraBJ8]

Thats a NICE water tank Randy! Great price too!

This tank cost $185.00 to have fabricated__okay, that was a few years ago...

Dimensions exactly match the original tank, except the height, which is double; fuel capacity is now roughly twenty-eight and a half gallons (28-1/2)

Due to insurance/liability restrictions, finding someone to fabricate a fuel tank is going to be difficult, however a baffled, leak free water tank is easy!

Being how this is a two-seater, with the spare tire on the shelf behind the seats, closing the trunklid is of no concern. The fuel guage reads "full" until the tank is about half full, then starts counting down from there__not too accurately though, as by the time it reads "empty", I'm still carrying about five (>5) gallons. I'm okay with that.

 

[DerekJ]

I have Denis Welch's 15 gallon aluminium tank and my spare wheel fits ok. It's 5.5 inch with Avon 185s on it. The retaining strap needs to be reconfigured. (actually I don't bother with one). But then that is the case with 185s and wider rims even without the bigger tank.

 

[PeterBL]

Do I see two fuel lines on the Randy's tank?
Is one a return line. I am always learning from his contributions.
After my BN1 restoration, I am using an original (narrower) wheel as a spare. I intend to paint yellow, not sure about the rubber.

 

[Randy Forbes]

A friend of mine with a BJ8 rally replica doesn't carry a spare at all - in the interest of space for luggage - but uses one of the 'slime' style puncture repair kits and electric air pump. I've been thinking this option was unavailable to me as I'm using spoked wheels with tubes, rather than his mini-lights and tubeless. However at the auto shop yesterday I read on one of brands that it was usable in both tubed and tubeless tires...

Has anyone tried this stuff in tubed tires? Obviously it doesn't help you it you really damage your tire or rim, but for 'normal' problems?

None of my BMWs were fitted with a spare tire; the staggered wheels (7-1/2 & 9") and tires (225/45 & 245/40 X 17") combined with the dual exhaust eliminated the practicality of one. The "standard" Z3 models (non-///M versions) carry a spare__donut__tire in a basket under the trunkfloor.

But I digress; though I'm sure there are cheaper alternatives, BMW markets a nice ///M Mobility Kit (at that time, none of the ///M, or Motorsports branded cars carried a spare__extra weight and the staggered tire arrangement):

https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-M3-S54_3.2L/Maintenance/Safety/ES184510/

The ad-copy claims that "this version" can be used as a compressor only, well, so can both of the earlier types I have as standard fitment in my 99 & 01 ///Ms.

This is the 2nd-gen version fitted to my 2001 as standard equipment; the sealant canister is built in, as is the pressure gauge.

Thats a NICE water tank Randy! Great price too!

Yes, a local (Lafayette, Louisiana__where healeyblue is based out of ) fabricator slapped it together from a drawing I'd done sometime in the early 90s. Another fab shop in town, specializing in aluminum and stainless work (Begneaud Manufacturing__who’s brother David, had a multitude of Healeys and parts__which ultimately was ALL loaded into a container and shipped to Australia…) quoted the same job at nearly $700.00! They’re the ones__on their quote__that labeled it a water tank, for liability and insurance purposes

Do I see two fuel lines on the Randy's tank?
Is one a return line. I am always learning from his contributions.
After my BN1 restoration, I am using an original (narrower) wheel as a spare. I intend to paint yellow, not sure about the rubber.

The 3/8” stainless steel line at the back of the tank (formed with REAL BENDERS, NOT THUMBS) is the fuel pickup. If the tank level is low, I want to be able to DRIVE up the hill; I can coast down the other side, if need be (referring back to a recent post in another thread about running out of gas going up a hill with the stock arrangement). The line going vertical next to the filler pipe terminates with a check-valve. This is really just a vacuum breaker, as the spring-loaded ball keeps it sealed off 99% of the time. Just a measure to insure fuel delivery should the vent in the cap become plugged. Although, it would be an ideal return line if I ever went to a fuel injection type of induction system…

 

[CanberraBJ8]

That looks a nice kit Randy.

Have you tried it in tubed tires though? I guess it should be fine as they are marketing it as suitable (though that doesn't always stand up does it?).

 

[Randy Forbes]

That looks a nice kit Randy.

Have you tried it in tubed tires though? I guess it should be fine as they are marketing it as suitable (though that doesn't always stand up does it?).

Whispering, and knocking on wood... I haven't used it on any tires__and I don't have tubes in any of my tires nowadays.

 

[CanberraBJ8]

My Healey has been lucky so far - no flats. But it hasn't been driven enough either... My spare is an old wheel, possibly one of the cars originals, certainly the tire is old... and I'm not sure I want tot have to use it!