GM Gas Tank Replacement

Few of us ever dwell on the fuel we use to power our favorite ride. Except for price fluctuations and an occasional gas shortage, we pump and go. After all, the receptacle that holds that precious fluid is out of sight and out of mind. Over time, age, rust, road damage and other hazards can take a severe toll on this all-important part, and a gasoline leak is highly dangerous. At best, a regular inspection of that venerable old tank is a wise idea—don't wait till it's too late. If you smell gas in the garage, always check your tank for leaks!


If you're interested in entering your car in shows, then a clean, correctly plated fuel tank is a must-have item. Here we will examine the removal and replacement of a GM A-body fuel tank, and show you just how easy the swap can be. No special tools are required, and once the existing tank is siphoned as empty as possible, the removal takes only a few minutes. Any remaining gas can then be funneled into a five-gallon gas can for reuse.


Our vehicle is a mid-Sixties A-body, and while the tank shape and size is the same for many A-body vehicles, the filler-neck length and shape can change drastically depending on the bumper design. Most tank suppliers will also stock replacement sending units and new straps to secure the tank. If your gas gauge is working fine, then a new sender is probably not necessary, but new support straps are always a good idea.

Original Tank
This factory tank has seen more than three decades of use and has developed a fuel leak at the rear seam. There's no such thing as a small gas leak! The process to fix this original or install a new tank is just as much work, but the end result with the new tank is dramatic. Check with your restoration-tank supplier to make sure the new filler neck is the same. If it isn't, or not available at all, most radiator-repair shops can remove your original filler neck and replace it in the new tank. Check this area before ordering the new tank.