Gas tank from Hell

["Bruce A. Krobusek" <BruceKro@domain.elided>]

A while back I had asked the list for suggestions regarding the problems I 
was having with the new gas tank I had bought for my wife's Stag. Here's a 
recap (for those that came in late):

1) The old tank sprung a leak (bottom front), and appeared to be
unrepairable.

2) A new tank purchased from East Coast Jaguar (in Delaware, USA) had a 
bulged top and bottom, and a drain plug that didn't match up with the drain

hole in the Stag's boot.

The best (and only) suggestions I received were to send the tank back and 
get one that fit.

Being the stubborn cuss that I am, I had some problems with that:

1) Nobody wanted to admit that there was a problem with the tank I had.

2) If someone did believe there to be a problem, their opinion was "That's 
the way they're making them".

3) Getting a replacement tank would take time, I would not be assured of 
getting one any better than the one I already had, and if I ordered it from

across the pond there was the issue of additional shipping charges, 
possibly two-way if the new one wasn't any better.

After consulting with a few other folks, I had the following done:

1) My friendly LBC mechanic eliminated most of the bulging by a combination

of a small press and well-placed hammer blows.

2) A local metal shop removed the drain plug and welded the hole up.

3) As a final indignity the threaded hole for the fuel pickup flare fitting
was too 
deep and prevented the fitting from compressing the brass compression 
washer. I solved this by finding a 5/16" threaded brass fitting adapter at
a local 
hardware store and drilled out the hole to accept the fuel pickup tube.

An interesting experience, to say the least. I pass this on in case anyone
else 
runs into the same problems.

At least the new tank doesn't leak! (So far...)

     Bruce

      Bruce A. Krobusek
          '83 R80RT
      '72 TR6  CC75665LO
   '73 Mk2 Stag LE23546UBW