So... after having the car sit in pieces for the past six years, I finally found the time to start putting stuff back together. I'm in the process of finishing installing a Star Stage II turbo kit, but when I changed the fuel pump and filter, I noticed a TON of rust inside the gas tank. Also the fuel seems to have "varnished" nicely and is about useless I'm sure. I thought about dropping the tank to try to clean it out, but the bolts are rusted so bad I'm not sure that is an option.

What would you guys do? If I could get the tank off, should I replace it with a new one? If so, where can I buy one and how much do they cost? Thanks.

Anyone know anyone who can help me tune this in the Pittsburgh area (Greensburg)?

definitely cut the straps or fasteners off & drain/clean or replqce the tank.

Search for a part out or cleaner car to salvage the tank. Not sure if there are any new aftermarket tanks that are OE spec available.

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2012 2500HD LML

Thanks. I managed to get the tank off and poured out most of the rusty gas. I've heard that places can clean and coat the inside of the tank... Which would be more cost effective/reliable? Trying to find a used tank in better condition than the one that I have now or trying to get this one cleaned?

Anyone know anyone who can help me tune this in the Pittsburgh area (Greensburg)?

I'd call a place and get a quote and see what it would run you. That way you can compare between doing that or what it would cost to just pickup a spare tank from a junkyard or whatever.

If it were me I'd probably just get the tank cleaned/coated. If it cost a little more at the least you have peace of mind that the tank is in great condition again.

I contributed to the Wiki.

Here are some the things people do for motorcycle tanks that get rusty:
http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3664

You might be able to make something work with a larger car tank.

Ok.. I've researched this pretty extensively and I've come up with the following options:

Option 1. Buy NEW Spectra Premium CR19B Fuel Tank. I found this place that manufactures new OE direct fit replacement fuel tanks. http://www.spectrapremium.com/products/fuel_tank.html. They actually sell these at Advance Auto Parts for about $250, but shopping around, I found one for $188 shipped.

Option 2. MOYER Fuel Tank Renu - Clean/Coat old tank. This place is local to me, so I gave them a call to check prices. They split open the tank, sandblast it then add a rust proofing coating that is baked on making it "better than new". http://www.gas-tank.com/FAQ.htm. They quoted me at $389 to do the old tank or $250 to do a new tank. Either way, they guarantee it to remain rust-free for life.

Option 3. Buy a used "rust free" tank. I found one for $92 including shipping.

I'm leaning towards option 1 or 2... A fourth option would be buying a new tank and having this Moyer place rust-proof it. That would set me back $438 though and I doubt that's worth it versus paying $389 to have the old tank done. Just thought I'd share my findings and see which way you guys think I should go with this.

Anyone know anyone who can help me tune this in the Pittsburgh area (Greensburg)?

It's ultimately your call. Personally though, I would go with the cheaper new one or possibly even the used one. Keep in mind that I'm major a cheap ass.

With as long as the car has been parked, I would imagine you're due for more issues in the near future. If it were me, I would spend what I had to for a reliable fix, but not any more as I might need that money to fix something else that breaks. That being said, I'm on a tight budget and I don't know your situation.

I tend to look at spending money on my car the same way I would building a house. Sure, I'd love heated floors, but they won't do me any good if I spend my money on them and don't have any left to insulate the walls. Every dollar I put into one part of my car is a dollar I don't put into another part, so I have to reconcile every purchase with my goals.

If your budget is close enough that getting it coated means not doing something else or not having cash stuck back for the next thing that breaks, I'd probably skip it and just buy the new one. If you keep the car running and full of gas, it's not very likely to rust again anytime soon.

On the other hand, if it's not going to put any monetary bumps in the road for your project down the line, the extra peace of mind might be worth it.

Thanks for the advise. I decided to just buy the new tank. If anyone else finds themselves in a similar situation, I bought it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000C7TTH6. I'll let everyone know how the fitment is when it arrives.

Anyone know anyone who can help me tune this in the Pittsburgh area (Greensburg)?

Anyone know anyone who can help me tune this in the Pittsburgh area (Greensburg)?

when i got my car it had sat for several years and had bout 1/2 inch of crap on the bottom of the tank. i tried cleaning as much of it out as possible, put in a new pump and filter and with-in a week the filter was clogged up. cleaned out some more, another new filter with the same result. i ended up just getting a new tank, not new but a good used one, and just replaced it. not worth the headache to try to fix.