75 fuel take on a 78?

[grantf]

my fuel tank has rust causing the fuel line to clog up before the fuel pump, I have found a good replacement taank but my car is a 78 and the replacement is a 75 looking at both FSM's the illustrations look a little different, can I swap on out for the other.

[Jeff G 78]

From what I remember, they are quite a bit different. I had both tanks next to each other and they didn't look much alike. You might be able to make it work, but it will not be a simple job.

Your best bet is to do the POR-15 treatment on your '78 tank. It costs about $60 and works great, but it does take a few days and the directions must be EXACTLY followed for it to work properly.

[grantf]

I have heard bad things about POR-15, breaking down with today's fuel additives. I am reluctant to put the 75 tank in until i know it will bolt up.

[Jeff G 78]

My tank looks perfect after 2-1/2 years with the POR treatment. I haven't heard of any long-term failures. There have been a few cases of the coating not sticking, but that can be attributed to improper application and prep.

I am confident that the '75 tank will not just bolt up. It MIGHT fit with mounting mods, but will not be easy. The whole rear floor changed.

[grantf]

The whole rear floor changed.

That's what I needed to know thanks.I will stay with a 77-78 fuel tank and think hard about options. Performance Radiator in Tacoma quoted about 325 clams to clean and line the tank. A bit pricey I think.

Has anyone here in Seattle had there tank serviced at a radiator shop.

Edited October 6, 2008 by grantf

[grantf]

My sincerest apologies as looking at the tank for sale it is a 77 not a 75! I have the 75 FSM but not the 77, I am guessing the 77 and 78 are identical.

[TomoHawk]

Check out this place: http://www.gastankrenu.com/

[Jeff G 78]

Hmmm, I think they are the same, but there were some floor changes between '77 and '78 as well. I don't think it affected the tank though. If I remember, I will check the parts microfiche when I get home. Make SURE the tank is perfect inside or you will be in the same boat. Nearly every tank that hasn't had constant usage will have some rust inside. My car is extremely clean and rust free yet had a cruddy tank due to the car sitting for years in my garage. The rust was all surface, but was bad enough to make a mess and constantly clog the filter. Have the seller take a photo of the inside via the filler hole. It isn't easy to get a good photo, but it can be done.

Here was my tank before POR and after

[sblake01]

There are two 280Z tanks. One for the 75-76 and one for the 77-78. The are NOT interchangable. Period.

[grantf]

thank you for all of you're help, let me know what you find out about the 77 78 tanks, I will make sure I am not buying another rusty tank (why go through the trouble??). looking at you're photo's has me thinking about going the por-15 route if the new tank is no good.

[grantf]

The whole rear floor changed.

That's what I needed to know thanks.I will stay with a 77-78 fuel tank and think hard about options. Performance Radiator in Tacoma quoted about 325 clams to clean and line the tank. A bit pricey I think.

Has anyone here in Seattle had there tank serviced at a radiator shop.

There are two 280Z tanks. One for the 75-76 and one for the 77-78. The are NOT interchangable. Period.

thanks but I figured that out already.

again I don't know what i would do without the help of the members on this forum, THANKS!

Edited October 6, 2008 by grantf

[sblake01]

I was just stating that to be clear because there seemed to be some confusion in the thread.