Fuel tank replacement issues, Nipples & socks Options

[Pat Garvey]

I'm starting to replace my original fuel tank because it has degraded inside (badly). Have a very nice replacement, but have some issues:

1. Fuel "socks". Can these be cleaned gently? Note in the attached pic that only one is viewable. The other is stuck in the tank. Ideas? Can I just drive it out with a drift pin?
2. Though this a more than decent tank, it has a horrible "rattle can" finish. I could refinish it myself, with many hours of labor, but it also needs to be boiled out. Why? Because USPS wouldn't let the PO ship it with sealant the "smelled funny". So, he had to remove it. Now, I have surface rust on the inside. Minor, but I don't want another mega problem down the road. So, I'm looking for suggestions, preferably within my area (SE PA). Looking for a total refurbishment, to factory specs.
Pat

[r_towle]

AA has all the new piece for the bottom.

Flush it yourself like McMark said...its simple to do.

For the proper paint, check with George..I think there is a Wurth product that hits the nail on the head...its the same paint for the 356's

If you want to get it done for you, locate a radiator shop locally.
Supply the paint for the outside.

Rich

[realred914]

AA has all the new piece for the bottom.

Flush it yourself like McMark said...its simple to do.

For the proper paint, check with George..I think there is a Wurth product that hits the nail on the head...its the same paint for the 356's

If you want to get it done for you, locate a radiator shop locally.
Supply the paint for the outside.

Rich

There are at least Two distinct shades of black paint used on the 914 gas tanks. I believe it is somewhat year model dependant, but I do not have the dates.

one color is a very black semigloss, the other is a lighter black, a very dark dark grey. I have seen these two varaitions enough to be convinced they are two different factory colors.

so if you want originality, I suggest some research into what your year model (or serial number sequence) should have.

paint for a 356 gas tank may not be right, there is more than one variation of that color too.

as these cars become more valuable and classics, more folks will pay attention to the small thing like the correct shade of black for the gas tank, and one day there will be concours guys telling you you got the wrong color based on your build date or some other detail.

if you want it right, you need some research.

one size does NOT fit all for 914 gas tank colors.

you have to ask your self, is this supposed to be the black tank or the dark gray tank?

time for some research!!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

[Pat Garvey]

There are at least Two distinct shades of black paint used on the 914 gas tanks. I believe it is somewhat year model dependant, but I do not have the dates.

one color is a very black semigloss, the other is a lighter black, a very dark dark grey. I have seen these two varaitions enough to be convinced they are two different factory colors.

so if you want originality, I suggest some research into what your year model (or serial number sequence) should have.

paint for a 356 gas tank may not be right, there is more than one variation of that color too.

as these cars become more valuable and classics, more folks will pay attention to the small thing like the correct shade of black for the gas tank, and one day there will be concours guys telling you you got the wrong color based on your build date or some other detail.

if you want it right, you need some research.

one size does NOT fit all for 914 gas tank colors.

you have to ask your self, is this supposed to be the black tank or the dark gray tank?

time for some research!!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)
[/quote]
I'm very much aware that there are differences in the gas tank color, afte nearly 40 years of 914 ownership. In fact, there are THREE different shades. The third has a hin of brown to it. Mine is the gray/black derivitive, si I'll be painting the new tank to that spec.

Believe me, I'm ready for any concours "judge" to tell me something isn't correct for my 914. In fact, I dare them!
Pat