1982 CHP #0327

[NoDrama43]

looking good Steve.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by NoDrama43

looking good Steve.

Thanks Jim. I'll keep the updates coming and I got the info on the trunk sound deadener mat so I'll order it.

[Steve]

The shop has been busy doing insurance work so not much has progressed since last visit, but this time I did some work myself. This was a great opportunity to remove the fuel tank and see what was inside. 4 bolts, disconnect the hoses and wiring and it was out. No problem. I've attached two photos of the tank, one as it came out, and the second with everything removed.

I was very surprised, the gas that we emptied out was clean and so was the inside of the tank. Almost no sediment, no varnish, no crud. Don't need to do anything to the inside.

There is some rust on the outside. Not bad, and certainly no danger of rusting through. But I'd like to clean the outside, remove the rust, and then do something to protect it for the future. I wonder if there was any sort of treatment done to the metal to keep it from rusting, and perhaps it wore out in just the few places? If I wire brush, steel wool, or sand that rust off, I'll likely have to protect the metal or it likely will rust again. Should i just sandblast the whole thing and apply a coating or paint? I hesitate to paint it because even though it is not visible in service that is not the way it was stock.

The other thing I did was take the ignition key (original Ford key) and the door and trunk lid locks. I'm going to see if a locksmith can modify the door and trunk locks to work with the ignition key, as was original.

Soon, I am told, the body (sans doors, trunk and hood, rear pillar glass and trim) will be painted black, then the white parts painted over that. Those pics will be much more interesting to post here.

[Steve]

I looked at some Youtube vids on fuel tank restoration. One guy had a tank that was in very good shape inside, but he still used a cleaner, an etcher, then poured some coating material inside.

In the case of one like 0327's, where it is very clean and I don't see any rust inside, I'm reluctant to use any kind of coating or other chemicals internally. I figure it ain't broke...

This guy sandblasted the exterior and then painted the outside black. I like the idea of a rust-resistant paint for protection, but it wasn't stock. I'm struggling with that part.

[ssp5.0]

Hi Steve
As for your gas tank, I would check with a radiator shop, some also repair fuel tanks regarding getting the rust off the outside....sparks vs gas fumes?
If I remember correctly, some fill the tank with water to dissipate the fumes before welding them, others I have heard use dry ice dropped in the tank to do this. Also remember a brass drift when reinstalling the lock rings. Eastwood Company has a product called Tank Tone for coating the outside. It might be a bit shinier than OEM but I assume you will reuse the black plastic tank shield.

In the matter of door locks, I suggest you contact a locksmith shop that has been in business for a long time and ask for a brand of automotive locks called ASP. They made the door & trunk cylinders with the same keyway as the ignition. I tried a distributor in Wash. state a few years back but they are no longer made. Have heard the offshore ones wear out quickly.
Bruce

[ImEvil1]

Pretty sure '82-'83 didn't have the tank shields.

[Steve]

Thanks for the suggestions Bruce. The tank protection product sounds good and I'll call around to see if I can get a lock shop that is accustomed to auto locks.

I might just use some steel wool or fine sandpaper to hand sand the rust off. It isn't deep and should come right off. Then apply that protective material on the outside.

[Steve]

Went to a lock shop today and they said no problem modifying the door and trunk locks to work with the ignition key. Should be ready tomorrow.

I think I'll experiment with removing the rust spots on the outside of the tank this weekend. I'll try light hand sanding, then pressure-wash the whole thing with a detergent/degreaser solution.

[chp1982]

Great news, Steve!