Triumph based roadster, new fuel tank required....

[928cdu]

Hi,
I have an triumph based roadster that is in desperate need of a new fuel tank ! The imp tank is filthy inside ..

Any suggestions on an alternative, the imp tank is not easy not find, so I'm thinking of a Sprite one ?

Any suggestions gratefully received.

I'm kicking myself for not tackling this sooner !

Thanks all . Richard

[peterboat]

Re: Triumph based roadster, new fuel tank required....

There are coatings from frost auto supplies which will sort this out petrol tank sealer it works well

[b_caswell]

Re: Triumph based roadster, new fuel tank required....

If its not leaking you could take it out and give it a good rinse out with some Jizer
or you could have it steamed cleaned.

try eBay 391486111677

Some Mk1 cars used the spitfire tank which would need the filler moving.

My sons car uses a Robin Reliant tank.

[928cdu]

Re: Triumph based roadster, new fuel tank required....

Hi,
Quick update..
I have removed the imp tank today & it's u/s as it's VERY rusty inside ..

I'm still thinking a new spridget tank is the way to go ... see:

http://http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FUEL-TANK-MIDGET-1972-TO-1976-Clip-on-sender-/252454041998?hash=item3ac76ef98e:gckAAOSwZ1BXf5VC

Biggest concern i have is that the spridget tank is 145mm deep & I only have 140mm before the tank would touch the top of the diff. (not good) ..

My thinking is to raise the tank by fabricating a marine ply surround, which would bolt to the original floor.

My question is what sort of clearance is advised .. I guess 1cm ply would give me 5mm clearance etc..

REMEMBER this is a triumph rear axle...

Thanks .. !

[dave_clutterbuck]

Re: Triumph based roadster, new fuel tank required....

May be worth speaking to Cropper & Jones at Ellesmere Port about repairing and reconditioning it. They did an A35 tank for me which was very rusty inside and had a few holes.
Regards
Dave

[Alan c]

Re: Triumph based roadster, new fuel tank required....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hillman-Imp-fuel-tank-/262544172311?hash=item3d20da2517:g:O1gAAOSwRgJXi5jZ

8hrs bidding left when I posted this

[MikePeel]

Re: Triumph based roadster, new fuel tank required....

I have bought a brand new midget tank (made in Canada ) with the sender unit for £125 off eBay.The tank replaced my Hillman Imp one and fitted almost perfectly.No problems with clearance on the rear Triumpth axle AND i WAS ABLE TO USE ALL THE EXISTING FILLER FITTINGS ETC.
i SPENT NEARLY A WHOLE YEAR FATHING ARROUND WITH MY OLD IMP TANK so I would definitely recommend changing it.Mine is a Triumpth based Mk 1 roadster.I was so pleased with it I have bought a second one to go into my Marina based Roadster that I am currently /still building!!
Good Luck
Mike

[stevejgreen]

Re: Triumph based roadster, new fuel tank required....

My experience with tank sealers is that they are fine with motorcycle tanks that you can readily spin around, but larger car tanks are less than easy and unpredictable in results. A new tank may be more expensive, but more reliable.

[andyf]

Re: Triumph based roadster, new fuel tank required....

My experience with tank sealers is that they are fine with motorcycle tanks that you can readily spin around, but larger car tanks are less than easy and unpredictable in results. A new tank may be more expensive, but less reliable.

I think you ment more reliable

[stevejgreen]

Re: Triumph based roadster, new fuel tank required....

Oops. Thanks.

[928cdu]

Re: Triumph based roadster, new fuel tank required....

Hi Mike, spot on .. I ordered the same tank and received it today (from MGBHIVE) it fits the gap perfectly ! And even better it's galvanised ..
I will probably make a new / additional boot floor from marine ply and attach it over original. Then bolt the tank to that.

Loads of clearance so long as I don't mount it too far forward.

Only small problem to overcome is that the filler cap is high up front and midget filler is rear, meaning I need to use some flexible hose and fabricate a double s bend.. It's doable.

Thanks for everyone's reply ! I will post photos later ..

Regards .. Richard

[928cdu]

Re: Triumph based roadster, new fuel tank required....

For everyone that read this thread, after three months work the new fuel tank etc. Was fitted and car recomissioned. It passed the MOT Friday with no advisories.. This is after 28 years in my garage ! It's an amazing tribute to the longevity of the Marlin construction and triumph engineering .. It almost seems to drive better than when it came off the road in 1988 !!

Now I can start to spend time on the bodywork .. Which has a touch of garage rash ..

[David]

Re: Triumph based roadster, new fuel tank required....

Well done...