#1  
Old 09-07-2021, 02:41 PM
mgarblik mgarblik is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 6,035
Default SD-455 coming to shop next month

I have an SD-455 TA coming to my shop next month for some work. Car has been in climate controlled storage for 41 years but hasn't run in 30-35 years. First order of business is going to be repair or replacement of the gas tank as I was told it's leaking and has 40 year old gas in it. Does any vendor offer a VERY HIGH QUALITY, OE looking tank for a 74? Need a tank worthy of a numbers matching, low mileage SD car, Or am I going to have to try and find an NOS tank? May be able to have this one repaired? Thank you for leads and/or ideas.

  #2  
Old 09-07-2021, 04:42 PM
J GLASGO's Avatar
J GLASGO J GLASGO is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,021
Default

I don’t think they are available.

__________________
WWW.GLASGOPERFORMANCE.COM. Updated... Sort of!
  #3  
Old 09-07-2021, 04:43 PM
3tas4me's Avatar
3tas4me 3tas4me is online now
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 1,252
Default

I believe the tank is the same from '74-'81. You might want to remove and save the fill neck from the original tank. I put a new tank in my '74 and we installed the original fill neck.

Looks like Rock Auto carries three different brands.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...fuel+tank,6268

__________________
1970 Trans Am
1971 Trans Am
1974 Trans Am
1978 Y88 Trans Am W72/auto
1979 10th Anniversary Trans Am
1984 Trans Am
1993 Trans Am
1999 30th Anniversary Trans Am
2001 10th anniversary Firehawk #104
2006 GTO
The Following User Says Thank You to 3tas4me For This Useful Post:
  #4  
Old 09-07-2021, 05:13 PM
'ol Pinion head 'ol Pinion head is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: INJUN Territory, Red State Merica!
Posts: 9,568
Default Original filler neck

Quote:
Originally Posted by 3tas4me View Post
I believe the tank is the same from '74-'81. You might want to remove and save the fill neck from the original tank. I put a new tank in my '74 and we installed the original fill neck.

Looks like Rock Auto carries three different brands.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...fuel+tank,6268
That's what you gotta do.
Might try Advance Autoparts, & if dented or scuffed, send it back.

__________________
Buzzards gotta eat... same as worms.
  #5  
Old 09-07-2021, 06:17 PM
Skip Fix's Avatar
Skip Fix Skip Fix is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Katy,TX USA
Posts: 20,541
Default

I have gotten two tanks for the 79 Camaro/IA and the 81 TA and they both looked pretty close with a neck installed already. Necks were a hair different in the nozzle area. 81 Tank I used a SS one(also in the 65 GTO when I did it a few years ago) and you can tell they are not a galvanized stock tank.

There is an old fashion radiator shop here that boils them out and solder repairs them if that one is not too bad.

__________________
Skip Fix
1978 Trans Am original owner 10.99 @ 124 pump gas 455 E heads, NO Bird ever!
1981 Black SE Trans Am stockish 6X 400ci, turbo 301 on a stand
1965 GTO 4 barrel 3 speed project
2004 GTO Pulse Red stock motor computer tune 13.43@103.4
1964 Impala SS 409/470ci 600 HP stroker project
1979 Camaro IAII Edelbrock head 500" 695 HP 10.33@132 3595lbs
  #6  
Old 09-07-2021, 07:52 PM
vertigto's Avatar
vertigto vertigto is offline
Chief Ponti-yacker
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 775
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 'ol Pinion head View Post
That's what you gotta do.
Might try Advance Autoparts, & if dented or scuffed, send it back.
^^^^ this and use the 15-20% discount they usually offer (or Autozone)...that's how I got my Spectra.

__________________

1970 GTO (Granada Gold) - 400 / TH400
  #7  
Old 09-07-2021, 08:56 PM
ladytata's Avatar
ladytata ladytata is offline
Senior Chief
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Algonquin, Illinois
Posts: 491
Default

Get a 75 tank and make your own cap
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	1CB09975-F029-489C-83D2-2CDBED14D118.jpg
Views:	336
Size:	47.3 KB
ID:	572683   Click image for larger version

Name:	A1951ED7-80FC-4E9F-AD5C-90DE48C7850E.jpg
Views:	298
Size:	51.1 KB
ID:	572684  

The Following User Says Thank You to ladytata For This Useful Post:
  #8  
Old 09-07-2021, 10:31 PM
Stuart's Avatar
Stuart Stuart is offline
Moderator
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 7,938
Default

Auto City Classic in Minnesota lists a gas tank for 1974-1977 Firebirds, although I don't know how accurate it is so you should call them to discuss: https://www.autocityclassic.com/firebird-gas-tanks/

  #9  
Old 09-07-2021, 11:30 PM
mgarblik mgarblik is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 6,035
Default

Lots of decent options it seems. I have used Spectra radiators and several tanks on regular customer cars and they seem to be OK. I guess I will have to compare the stampings to the OE tank and how the corners are put together. Nice to know the same tank was used for several years. Going to go look at the car in storage in a few weeks and determine how to get it over to the shop. The 40+ year old tires all hold air. Obviously, it will need a battery, fluids changed, oil pump primed, and a carb kit. I will call Cliff and get one.

The Following User Says Thank You to mgarblik For This Useful Post:
  #10  
Old 09-08-2021, 04:44 AM
Aus78Formula Aus78Formula is offline
Suspended
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,389
Default

Any that say 74-77 are clearly a Chev-based parts supplier, but then, most are. 74-78 for Firebird, 74-77 for Camaro. Spectra Premium GM203 is the best, made in Canada. Or as the US says, North America.

The Following User Says Thank You to Aus78Formula For This Useful Post:
  #11  
Old 09-08-2021, 07:15 AM
77 Canamman's Avatar
77 Canamman 77 Canamman is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: PA
Posts: 4,022
Default

One member here went through several Spectra tanks before one was found not to be scratched and dented. Apparently they are not well protected once they leave the Spectra facility.

__________________
1976 LeMans B09 Freeway Enforcer, 455/M40 Smokey

1977 Trans Am, 400/M21 Black/Gold Bandit. 44K actual miles

2017 Sierra SLT 1500 Z71 4X4

2019 Canyon SLT Crew 4X4

The Following User Says Thank You to 77 Canamman For This Useful Post:
  #12  
Old 09-08-2021, 07:43 AM
Aus78Formula Aus78Formula is offline
Suspended
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,389
Default

I must have been lucky to get one shipped to Australia, barely had any extra packing inside box, if at all, but somehow still unmarked. Just took off the shelf and sent, that special touch of customer service, same for across the street as across the world.

https://ecat.spectrapremium.com/products/GM203


Last edited by Aus78Formula; 09-08-2021 at 07:57 AM.
  #13  
Old 09-08-2021, 07:52 AM
TAKerry TAKerry is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: North Eastern MD
Posts: 1,146
Default

I bought a new tank for my 79 t/a from firebird central. Soldered in place neck. I picked it up at carlilse to avoid shipping. Price was reasonable (as shipping is what kills the deal on these things) and side by side with my old tank it was identical only new. Not sure how it compares to a 74 tank.

Ironically there is a gas tank company less than 10 minutes from house. They are fairly well known but dont stock a lot of stuff. I checked with them and they still wanted to charge me shipping which was almost as much as the tank.

  #14  
Old 09-08-2021, 09:27 AM
Big Bear's Avatar
Big Bear Big Bear is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Ont Canada
Posts: 132
Default

Bought a Spectra tank from PY a number of years ago and picked it up at Norwalk. It was a better price than any of our suppliers in Canada. Go figuire. Just getting to it now but will be changing the neck. The original neck uses the early quarter turn cap where the repop tank has the later thread style cap. Being that it is a original car I would be trying to clean/solder its born with tank, install a new sock on the pick up and reinstall with new fuel hose that will hold up to todays fuel. Sounds like a great project.

  #15  
Old 09-08-2021, 09:50 AM
mgarblik mgarblik is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 6,035
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aus78Formula View Post
Any that say 74-77 are clearly a Chev-based parts supplier, but then, most are. 74-78 for Firebird, 74-77 for Camaro. Spectra Premium GM203 is the best, made in Canada. Or as the US says, North America.
Thanks for the part number. I can buy Spectra through my regular channels as a NAPA master dealer. No shipping. Of course some of the "shipping" is built into the slightly higher prices. But NAPA will take care of me if there is any damage. Now a question for the SD-455 experts. Is there any known markings or numbers or anything to identify the OE tank as an SD gas tank? Trying to do a nice job for this owner and do not want to do anything to hurt the value of the car.

  #16  
Old 09-08-2021, 02:18 PM
3tas4me's Avatar
3tas4me 3tas4me is online now
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 1,252
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by mgarblik View Post
Thanks for the part number. I can buy Spectra through my regular channels as a NAPA master dealer. No shipping. Of course some of the "shipping" is built into the slightly higher prices. But NAPA will take care of me if there is any damage. Now a question for the SD-455 experts. Is there any known markings or numbers or anything to identify the OE tank as an SD gas tank? Trying to do a nice job for this owner and do not want to do anything to hurt the value of the car.
No different markings that I am aware of.

On the filler neck, I would save the original, even if you don't use it for now. 1974 was the last year for leaded gas so all the fillers after that had the restricted inlet in the end of the pipe to keep people from putting leaded gas in cars with catalytic converters.

__________________
1970 Trans Am
1971 Trans Am
1974 Trans Am
1978 Y88 Trans Am W72/auto
1979 10th Anniversary Trans Am
1984 Trans Am
1993 Trans Am
1999 30th Anniversary Trans Am
2001 10th anniversary Firehawk #104
2006 GTO
  #17  
Old 09-09-2021, 07:49 AM
mgarblik mgarblik is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 6,035
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 3tas4me View Post
No different markings that I am aware of.

On the filler neck, I would save the original, even if you don't use it for now. 1974 was the last year for leaded gas so all the fillers after that had the restricted inlet in the end of the pipe to keep people from putting leaded gas in cars with catalytic converters.
Thanks for that info I had forgotten. Spectra sells that tank without a filler neck also. I should get that one and transfer the OE neck to that tank. Great information. That means the filler cap is very different as well. The 75 and newer would have a screw cap and 74 and older the cap with 2 tabs?

  #18  
Old 09-09-2021, 07:54 AM
77 Canamman's Avatar
77 Canamman 77 Canamman is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: PA
Posts: 4,022
Lightbulb

Quote:
Originally Posted by mgarblik View Post
The 75 and newer would have a screw cap and 74 and older the cap with 2 tabs?
yes correct

__________________
1976 LeMans B09 Freeway Enforcer, 455/M40 Smokey

1977 Trans Am, 400/M21 Black/Gold Bandit. 44K actual miles

2017 Sierra SLT 1500 Z71 4X4

2019 Canyon SLT Crew 4X4

  #19  
Old 09-12-2021, 10:30 AM
Skip Fix's Avatar
Skip Fix Skip Fix is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Katy,TX USA
Posts: 20,541
Default

One I had I got from Summit took 2 to get the filler neck not tweaked.

The Spectra sending unit I got for the 81 is cheesy-sits a hair taller, the one I got from Ames looks better and closer to stock on the inside.

__________________
Skip Fix
1978 Trans Am original owner 10.99 @ 124 pump gas 455 E heads, NO Bird ever!
1981 Black SE Trans Am stockish 6X 400ci, turbo 301 on a stand
1965 GTO 4 barrel 3 speed project
2004 GTO Pulse Red stock motor computer tune 13.43@103.4
1964 Impala SS 409/470ci 600 HP stroker project
1979 Camaro IAII Edelbrock head 500" 695 HP 10.33@132 3595lbs
  #20  
Old 09-13-2021, 08:38 AM
Mr Anonymous's Avatar
Mr Anonymous Mr Anonymous is offline
Senior Chief
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Waynesville, OH
Posts: 394
Default

If you are needing a repair option, see Powell Radiator in Wilmington. He's a one man operation, and seems to be the RainMan for radiators and gas tanks. He did the 53 studebaker radiator and gas tank, 54 Olds radiator, 93 suburban 2500 radiator and a bunch of others... he has even done some for J** **** and built a few for brass era cars just based on old pictures. Last of a dying breed.

__________________
Clutch Guys Matter
_______________________________________
53 Studebaker, 400P/th400/9"
64 F-85
72 4-4-2 Mondello's VO Twister II
84 Hurst/Olds #2449
87 Cutlass Salon
54 Olds 88 sedan
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:02 PM.

 

About Us

The PY Online Forums is the largest online gathering of Pontiac enthusiasts anywhere in the world. Founded in 1991, it was also the first online forum for people to gather and talk about their Pontiacs. Since then, it has become the mecca of Pontiac technical data and knowledge that no other place can surpass.

 




Copyright © 2017