teamo

Got my fuel tank out on my 75 coupe today. I had a nice shower of mouse poop and acorns when it dropped too. Anyways it looks to be in very good shape. The bladder looks pretty clean inside and there is only a small amount of sediment on the bottom that I will be able to clean up once I get the last of the gas out. I pulled on the bladder a little and it came away from the inside wall of the tank. It is not collapsing but it can be pulled away. Was the bladder glued to the inside of the tank or just held in by the weight of the fuel pressing it outward? I hope I can leave it in but if I have to remove it can I use one of the cork gaskets in place of the rubber around the tank cover? I know some people have said to cut the rubber and use it like a gasket but will the cork replace it if necessary?

Jud Chapin

Regarding the bladder, it is there as a safety device, mandated by the Feds, to prevent fuel spillage and resulting possible fire in the event the tank itself is ruptured in an accident. It shouldn't be glued to the tank. I personally wouldn't remove it.

tektrans

That bladder is nearly 40 years old. I agree its in there for a reason.
IMO you should purchase a reproducion new gas tank. Thats what I did. It is fuel after all.

teamo

I can replace the tank but will I be able to get the bladder out and reinstalled into the new repro tank without destroying it? I do want to keep the bladder. Does anyone make a reproduction bladder? I haven't been able to find one doing a search.
Thanks

tektrans

Sorry I should have been more specicfic-the new repro tanks dont use a bladder so no worries.

7T1vette

Just keep what you have. Clean the outside and paint/coat it with a good epoxy paint. That will seal it and prevent pin-hole rust spots. That bladder has prevented any rust on the inside of that tank for 40 years. Why not let it continue to do its job?