Fuel Tank - Restore or Replace?

[70_440-6Cuda]

Hey all - opinions on restoring vs. replacing the gas tank?  Not sure if the tank is original, but there are no issues with it, was thinking of cleaning and pressure washing the tank, have it pressure tested and reuse - but might be faster and cheaper to replace with an AMD tank.

Any value in keeping the tank I have from an originality standpoint?  Some not very good photos of my tank....

[JH27N0B]

Not long after I bought my '71 Challenger, I found that the original fuel tank had corrosion internally even though the outside was in excellent shape, because flakes of rust getting in the fuel trashed my fuel pump.  I didn't even look into trying to restore the original tank, though I am sure it was possible.  I ordered a new tank from RockAuto, which was a Spectra.  Spectra's are great quality tanks and have a OE look.  I don't recall if I put the two tanks next to each other to compare but if there were any appearance differences I'm sure they were slight, and the plating looks like original. So unless you're doing an OE restoration I don't think there would be any reason to not replace your tank with new.
I don't know anything about AMDs tanks, I wonder if they get them from Spectra or also make them?  Spectra tanks are or at least were made in Canada and are great quality.  I checked RockAuto and the 70 cuda tank was $167, find a discount code and you get another 5% off that.  They only listed one part# though.  There should be 2, N95, and other 49 states for 70 right?  That number they list is probably 49 state so if your cuda is N95 you'd have to find another source than RockAuto for a new tank.

[Katfish]

If there's no corrosion inside, use it.
Nothing beats an original part.

[70_440-6Cuda]

Thanks all!  It is not an N95 car, so that is a plus.  I will take a look inside and see - I am TRYING to stay as original as possible, but also not trying to overthink and overcomplicate things.

In the end, I want to maintain the integrity and value of the car, but do not want to pick the fly poop out of the pepper either!

[torredcuda]

As long as it`s clean inside use it as original parts are always better than aftermarket on a resto.

[70_440-6Cuda]

Are they any factory markings or other identifying traits that would tell me if my current tank is a factory original?

[JH27N0B]

I'll have to crawl under my garage Queen OE restored T/A when I get a chance, as I'd ended up getting an NOS gas tank for it that I used in my restoration.
My recollection is that it had some faint blue paint logos, tampo graphics or stamps maybe, of the manufacturer.
When I took the original tank off my 71 to replace, I recall it had a sticker or two on the top, but I don't recall any markings elsewhere.
The outer surface wasn't rusted but had patina from grime or an original coating dulling over the years, I didn't inspect it with a microscope or anything.
I saved it for a time but it gave off a gasoline odor and one day I broke my habit of not throwing anything away, and left it down at the curb on garbage day.
One thing I think about with yours, is even if OE, how do you get the old paint off it such that you end up with a nice fresh OE appearance.  I'm guessing short of having someplace that can replate it to whatever it was originally, it won't look nearly as good as a new repro tank with the fresh OE like appearance.

[70_440-6Cuda]

@JH27N0B that's a great point - I do not know what the original finish is so if anyone can provide some feedback that would be helpful.

There is a point of diminishing returns - how much time and money do you invest for a marginal detail?  The car is non #s matching engnie, so does it REALLY matter that much?

[JH27N0B]

I'll climb under the T/A when I get a chance and take a few pics of my NOS tank.
My 71 Challenger is a rare V code, but not an OE mirrors on the ground at shows so you can admire the underside type car.  The Spectra tank looked close enough to OE I had no qualms about using one on my car rather than trying to restore my original tank, especially given how reasonably priced the Spectra was.
But to each his own.

[RUNCHARGER]

I'll go against the flow here. The tank looks nice but the repros made in Canada are just like original and the new tin plating looks terrific on them too. Not sure where you could get this one plated properly to look like new. E-body tanks are especially visible.

[70_440-6Cuda]

I'll climb under the T/A when I get a chance and take a few pics of my NOS tank.
My 71 Challenger is a rare V code, but not an OE mirrors on the ground at shows so you can admire the underside type car.  The Spectra tank looked close enough to OE I had no qualms about using one on my car rather than trying to restore my original tank, especially given how reasonably priced the Spectra was.
But to each his own.

Well, I plan to drive the hell out of this car when it is done, so I think a Spectra will work for me - seems trying to get the original style coating would be a guess in any case

[JH27N0B]

Here is my NOS tank.  It was sealed up in a semi clear plastic wrap when I bought it, original packaging.  I can't say if this is how assembly line tanks appeared, that would be something to ask Dave Wise.

[70_440-6Cuda]

I dont think I am going to go as far as adding the stamps and such - but maybe - I will probably end up getting a replacement so it looks right, I have a feeling the one in the car currently is going to turn out to be an aftermarket tank anyway