M38 Fuel tank

[Brian]

Hi all,

I am getting back in to jeep repair again after a multi year hiatus.

Has anyone come up with a correct reproduction fuel tank for a M38 yet? Last time I checked the reproduction tanks were not fitting correctly and I was hoping someone had made some exact copies that could be purchased.

Thanks-
Brian

[wesk]

No. MD Juan is still the only supplier. They have gotten better but still have minor issues. Check with Ken Perkins, he put up some photos of the last one he installed.

[TomM]

I picked up a repro M38 fuel tank from Ron Fitzpatrick (G503). The seams were leaded. Check on the repros to be sure they are all lead sealed.
It was a drop-in fit. All holes lined up properly in the floor, the filler fit in the side of the body bushing properly, the pickup and sender clocked properly and were tapped with the correct threads. Wiring hold-down tabs are in the right place, the metal finish is good. The original hold-down straps fit The rear hold-down hook was in the correct spot.
The original filler extension piece with screen fit properly along with the original fuel cap. It doesn't leak.
The only mod required was to bend the upper-rear lip (as the original was bent) where the fuel line bends down the rear side of the tank.

Tom

[wesk]

Tom,Did you ask Ron where the tanks he has are coming from?

[wesk]

Ok,
I confirmed with RON that his tanks are MD Juan. It's safe to say that they have improved some over the last 5 years and so far Tom M has been the luckiest installer of one.

[RickC]

I'll second what Tom said except mine came from Bensinger and was primed red oxide. Had to bend the lip also and the filler neck was a bit off but was pretty painless.....
Rick

[TomM]

I spoke with Scott at Ron Fitzpatricks place. All of the tanks they sell and have been selling are MDJ.
The tank I got was a run of terne coated tanks (not offered today). The physical construction is the same as those still being built by MDJ.

In 2003 Rich Saylor tried to have tanks built by Peter Fraser in Santa Rosa, CA. This didnt materialize.

Tom

[Brian]

Thanks for the input. I will proceed with caution using the MDJ tank. The jeep has a repro tank now that has spacers under it to get the height right...it will be for sale if anyone wants an ill fitting tank for cheap.

-Brian

[RonD2]

My MDJ tank needs the bend on the upper rear lip too.

What's the best way to do it?

Does anybody have the approx location, length, and depth of the bend?

Thanks!

[TomM]

If the mounting tab needs to be bent, an adjustable wrench will give you all the leverage needed for the bend.

[wesk]

And match the bend in the tab to the strap's location.

[RonD2]

Tom,
The crescent wrench is a great tip --- thanks!

Yes, my tab can use a little adjustment, but it was my understanding that a good length of the top rear lip of the gas tank was bent down --- for the fuel line and seat clearance issues? A picture in the TM shows it - kind of.

Was this done in the field (can't find instructions in the TM) or the tank came from the factory that way. I guess if I don't have any clearance issues with the line or seat I'll leave it be for now.

What's a "leaded seal" on a gas tank? Could it be broken by bending the lip or the bracket down on the tank?

Thanks!

[4x4M38]

Hi Ron,
Back in the day they used lead for plumbing and repairs,
and I am guessing in this instance they used lead to seal the joints
on the gas tanks, even though they were crimped and welded.

They also used lead in body work. Many old hot rods and
custom cars used lead to fill in areas much like Bondo is done
today, albeit in a much more reserved manner. It can be heated
at low temperatures, flows, and can be filed and sanded.

My right rear quarter panel has a lead filled area found during
rust abatement.

By the way, you have taken some very good and detailed photos
of your jeep. Thank you.

And, nice ride!
Brian