Interesting find in fuel tank compartment

[Merlydog]

As the engine was out I figured I'd better check the fuel tank and fixings.. It was surprisingly solid and tidy in there, paint looked like new!! Someone had used clear sealant to vacuum seal the compartment, wonder if that helped preserving it? Anyway when I studied the tank closer I found this; I think it says Dave, liz, Tim + laurena with two American style dates, one 71 and one below 72. I could resist adding mine below

 

[art b]

v cool .... 8)

you should check all the breaterpipe joints while your there,
looks like there old braided pipes in the pic,
and whip the tank out and check the filler hose and for rusting around the strap mounts,

 

[Trikky2]

I haven't seen insulation stuffed in there before.

 

[Merlydog]

I haven't seen insulation stuffed in there before.

I was wondering whether to remove it or not. I think I will as although its bone dry now should it get wet it's a bit of a water trap. Everyone who's ever ridden in my bus has commented how quiet it was, perhaps that helped?

The hoses honestly look like new. Do you think they're original? Either way though as I'm there I should really replace them.

 

[67westy]

I found insulation stuffed around the tank. Also found a nice selection of mice nests and droppings in it!

Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

 

[sparkywig]

I'd replace the pipes Sarah, especially if they're externally braided.

 

[Merlydog]

I'd replace the pipes Sarah, especially if they're externally braided.

Yep they are, so I shall! I don't suppose anyone has a link to a thread on fuel tank refurb and what parts I'll need? I'm sure it's been done before but I can't find anything in technical. There's so many variants on the heritage site.

 

[dub boy]

only thing i found was the end of a jiggle siphon and some bits of pipe, ive had the fuel stolen several times :shock:

 

[Merlydog]

I found a useful thread if anyone was also thinking of replacing the filler pipe.

http://forum.earlybay.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=37855&start=0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[Merlydog]

Just a note to say appearances can be deceiving! Although it all looked good at first glance I took the filler out today to check it all. No cracks or leaks but crap quality hose!

Out of interest does anyone know if there's a seal for behind the filler neck - body? Mime didn't have anything.

 

[dub boy]

Just a note to say appearances can be deceiving! Although it all looked good at first glance I took the filler out today to check it all. No cracks or leaks but crap quality hose!

Out of interest does anyone know if there's a seal for behind the filler neck - body? Mime didn't have anything.

tep ,should be a plastic seal from filler to body.

 

[Merlydog]

Any ideas on where to get one? Can't find one anywhere, even google image searched it but nothing comes up for 68-71 seals!

 

[ProfessorWheeto]

That's a cool find.
We found similar except not on a bus...

On the right in this photo..

But we had to do this to find it!

The graffitist ended up getting in contact with the group after seeing photos on their forum

 

[RichardAlexander]

This was the shocking find when I took mine out, one of the downsides of a barn find. Rats living in the tank compartment nice

Not to worry it was all surface so a rub down and respray the outside was good, but after having sat for nearly 15 years the fuel had dried up inside first fill up and it turned to treacle and cost me a fuel pump and carburettor. I brought the frosts repair kit I worked a treat, just be aware to do the whole thing with the kit took 8 days. the longest is the tank seal at the end which takes a whopping 98 hours to cure, long but worth it. At the time I couldnt find a replacement tank anywhere this was the next best thing