how can I tell if it is usable? I don't wanna have to fork out the money I could spend on other parts...can I fill it with something and see what comes out...

 

fill it with a little bit of gas and slosh it around see if anything comes out, if it has leaks forget about patching it, toss it and get a new one

 

Leaking is the least likely problem with a gas tank. Corrosion is the real menace. If it's clean, or comes clean with a little work, on the inside, keep it. If it's nasty on the inside, get rid of it, fast.

 

Remove the filler neck and or the sending unit if the tank is empty and look inside and see if its clean.

 

If you have any doubts just replace it. It will save you lots of headache.

 

I agree with that.

 

I don't like liquid tank liners; know people who paid good money for liner that failed.

If the filler neck to tank seam leaks it can be soldered back if all precautions taken not to blow it sky high. My 67 was soldered about 20 years ago. I kept my distance as the expert soldered it while running car exhaust through tank. Not sure if that's in the OSHA handbook.

I agree to rinse all rust out. Drain it through coffee filter and repeat till its clean.

I run a large filter between gas tank and fuel pump; takes a lot of crud to plug a large filter.

New tanks where cheap last time I looked; not sure of quality.

 

never ever solder or weld a used fuel tank, many people have died trying to patch/fix a used fuel tank, i worked for a tank manufacturer for over 2 years and when a tank would come back with a leak they would put it in the scrap metal bin without hesitating http://www.mustangsunlimited.com/ite...sp?T1=70002+01 $100 + shipping is not worth risking yours or someone elses life

 

Good idea to always remind yourself that a healthy dose of caution is required when working around gas fumes. A little O2 and a spark can go a long way.

 

the car hasn't been driving since at least 95, I'm willing to bet the gas that would have been in there is now evaporated and long gone, that's why i ask, but I'm unsure to the condition because the neck has been off as long as I've had the car and I can see this:



it also appears to have a rather large dent in the bottom