Coming up in a short time, I am going to HAVE to store my '55 Ranchwagon for an extended period of time.

What concerns me is the fuel system. The carbs (Three Stromberg 97's) I'm going to pull off and clean out. But what about the fuel tank. Should I drain it and leave empty or fill it and use a fuel stabilizer?

Ranchwagon fuel tanks are different than car tanks, kinda rare to find in good shape and no repos are made. Mine is in fairly good shape (for being 56 years old) and I want to protect it the best way and prevent corrosion.

I did a google search and have seen both recommendations.



Thanks guys,

"The Master Cylinder"

Enjoying life at the beach in SOCAL

What is your "extended period of time"? If over 4-6 months, I recommend draining the tank. If the only "seal" of the tank is the gas cap, you will get evaporation and eventually a bunch of muck at the bottom.

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Thanks Paul for your response. What you say makes sense. Unfortunately, yes it will be long term, in excess of a year, maybe longer.



i'll drain it a let the fumes vaporize.

"The Master Cylinder"

Enjoying life at the beach in SOCAL

Disconnect the battery & drain it in a safe open area, preferably with a look out so no one in the area does something stupid!

Paul

As long as your going this far you might as well blow out the fuel lines and pump. No reason to have old gas turning to varnish in them. Chuck in NH

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I ended up using my electric fuel pump (mounted at the tank along with a filter before the pump) and pumped all the gas out into some gas cans (~7 gal.) until it lost suction. Then I pulled the bung (the thing that goes in the BUNGHOLE :w00t out of the tank to drain any residual gas.

Anyway all looks good, thanks again.

"The Master Cylinder"

Enjoying life at the beach in SOCAL