1979 450SLC gas tank

I own a 79 450SLC. The gas tank is rusted/dirty inside. The radiator shops will not clean it b/c of fear that the chemicals will damage the plastic/rubber interior. Any suggestions on salvaging this tank or, if not, where to find a replacement and what should be paid for a replacement. Does a list exist showing the compatibility of gas tanks from other Mercedes??

Thanks. SMW

[mbdoc]

Of course you could have a custom made tank. AS far as I know ONLY a tank for a SL will fit a SL!

Many "old car" restorers face that problem. They have sources for re-lining a tank.

it has been suggested that if the problem is varnished gasoline b/c the car sat for a year and a half, I could use lacquer thinner to clean the tank. Any thoughts? I would be afraid it would melt any plastic or rubber parts? Maybe cause problems later with the fuel delivery system?

[Steve Gutman]

Perhaps you could pull the tank and all the components. There is a POR-15 kit to coat the interior of the gaas tank. Then reassemble...

Thanks Steve. Could you give me a little more detail on the POR-15 kit: cost, difficulty, where to get.

Thanks. SMW

[Steve Gutman]

http://www.prp-porshop.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=TankSealers

There are a number of sellers of these products. They are kind of expensive but the products are good. There may be a description of how to do it as well.