New Fuel Tank

[dmg36054]

Well, after moving to a new city and taking a new job, I've finally started to work on the spider. The old fuel tank was rusty, varnishy (yep, that's a word), and full of gunk. Fuel pump didn't pump. Sad fuel lines. I have new components ready to go in. I received a new tank from one of our most cherished vendors today, and noticed that it already has a small amount of rust on the interior surfaces. Not much, but some.

Is it common for a new tank to have a little rust? Should I go ahead and plan to seal it first? Let her rip like it is? Get a replacement?

[4uall]

I would contact one of our most cherished vendors to see what they say

[AriK]

Someone else had this issue a while back and it had a happy ending. I'm sure the cherished vendor will resolve this with a smile

[dmg36054]

After receiving an email from the vendor, it looks like I either install it as is or seal it myself. There's only a small amount of surface rust in the tank, and that is common according to the vendor. I don't want it to get worse, so I'll be sealing it. Not too big of a deal, since the tank is relatively inexpensive. It could be worse; new tanks could not be available at all.

[azruss]

my new tank had some very minor surface rust in random locations inside the tank. I've had no issues with it

[DanD]

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywor ... phydlni6_b

I have been very happy with this sealant in the past. However, fuel stabilizer and conditioner on a regular basis is probably just fine.

[76was124]

See the pictures of my similar experience in particular the weld seam. http://fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=28609

Not sure if we share the same cherrished vendor, or if your rust was that severe, but you can pm me if your curious.

[dmg36054]

Update: The cherished vendor called me this afternoon and we had a nice conversation. As we would expect, they are stepping up to the issue and making it good. Now I need to order a few more parts. Life is good.

[spider2081]

Wouldn't fuel in the tank stop the rust with out sealing?? My experience has been no car that I drive has had a tank rust through from the inside out. I have only seen real damaging rust in cars I purchased that sat for years with a partial filled tank.
I believe the most common cause of rust on original Fiat tanks is from the outside. They rust where the foam sealer is between the tank and the trunk floor. I pull the tank on every Spider I refurbish and treat this area.