Fuel Tank

Went to a sheet metal shop today with a pattern for my fuel tank. They are cutting the pieces from 18ga steel. Looks like I'll be putting ittogether myself. I'll get the pieces next Tuesday and will start fitting it together soon thereafter. Initially, it will get self-tapping screwsto hold it together. The screws can be easily removed and the holes welded up. Besides, once it's finished, my plan is to have it coated inside and out to make sure it will never rust or leak. While I'm at it, I think I'll install two pick up tubes instead of one. One on the bottom and the other about five or six inches higher. When its complete, it will have a "reserve" in the tank. This way I won't be pressedto get the fuel gauge or sending unit in working order. The tankwill be 20 inches across, about 16 inches deep and 18 inches from front to back.

The interior sail panels are now bare metal. I'll treat them with OSPHO tomorrow. One side will get some metal welded in, just above the wheel tub. The previous owner went a little crazy with a torch and I'll need to make the repair to balance it out with the other side. It shouldn't take much body filler to smooth everything. The recessed areas will eventually have walnut veneer to match the dash. I've already cut a piece of hard cardboard to fit the area on the passenger side sail panel.

Something else on my list of things to do...........straighten the glove box surround. It has a slight warp on the upper edge. I'll heat it up with a blow dryer then clamp it between a board and a piece of rectangular tubing. Hopefully, I won't make it worse.........I only have one.

Hope all in well for everyone...........

Rick