I'm installing a new fuel tank in a frame-up restoration '67 Convert. What is the proper appearance for the fuel tank (example... bar metal, painted, zinc, whatever?) and how do I achieve it and preserve it. (For example, if the tank is to remain bare metal, what suggestions does anyone have to keep that look over time.

Thanks, Pat

The tank should have come galvanized. It is a silver-zinc colored coating, that if you're not going to drive the car in the rain, should last as long as the car. I suppose you could clear coat it with something like POR-15 satin finish. It should not be glossy.

Dave,

Since you mention POR-15, have you had an opportunity to use their products? If so, what's your opinion?

Dave is correct on the tank. The 2 straps should be black. Can anyone elaborate on this? Glossy, Flat or?

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...DjD
69RS Ragtop

The straps should remain natural too. They are still available from GM, I believe. They come galvanized too.
I have not used the POR materials, but I have not heard anything bad either. For more info, go to the tech section at www.chevelles.com go to the search feature, and type in POR and you'll find out more than you want to know!!

Davew's right, the POR issue has been pounded in the Chevelle site!

Is this true for the straps on a '69 as well? I have a new GM tank in my RS and assumed the straps were GM as well. They are a dull black and very rough feeling.

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...DjD
69RS Ragtop

If the straps are rough, I would say that they are old ones that have been pitted and rusted, and sanded and painted. If you got them from a GM dealer, I would take them back if you're not happy with the appearance. I will look at my new repro straps and see what they are. I know for a fact that new GM straps for the A-bodies were shiny galvanized.

Dave the straps should be galvanized. I bought a set of 68 GM straps 2 years ago and they have the same galvanized look as the tank. They had the GM stickers on them so one would have to assume that they are cosmetically correct. DJD if your straps are rough on the tank side and there is no anti-squeek padding between the straps and tank I would be concerned of the chance of wearing a hole into the tank.

I took another look at my tank straps they are galvanized but they are darker in color than the tank. They look new but also feel like 1000G sandpaper. I suspect aftermarket. Everyone seems to be in agreement that they should not be black. When I replied black before it was because I had read it on this web site (and noting the darker ones on my car). Look in the "Resto shop" part5 then scroll down to the "Undercarrage" section. It took me a while to remember where I saw it.

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...DjD
69RS Ragtop