Tanks replaced - or perhaps not !!!

[superheat6k]

I viewed a lovely Corvette yesterday which may well be suitable as my next purchase, but I have a significant concern regarding the fuel tanks.

The vendor, a nice and genuine chap, advised the original mild steel fuel tanks, which were notorious for leaking on the earlier Corvettes, had been replaced with stainless by a prior owner, for which he had been passed an invoice. This would be prior to 2009, and he suggested 1998 when the engines were replaced.

The concern I have is that from the limited access I had at the initial viewing this appeared not to be the case.

The tanks are completely concealed from above by what looks like original ply panelling, and the sides are covered with a heavily perishing sound inulation layer, beneath which are white painted tank walls. Of most concern is one small area of tank wall visible at the base of the port tank where the steel surface is very heavily corroded, with rust staining in the vicinity beneath. There are no signs of any fuel leaks.

So is it likely or indeed feasible someone would install new stainless tanks inside the cavity of the original tanks and leave the original painted casings with their original lagging in position ?

I just can't see this would be possible, but without undertaking substantial dismantling and possibly cutting away a section of the top panelling, proper access is not available.

 

[Lloydroberts]

Could you not get a copy of the receipt/invoice?
You could then check if the company exists/existed and their reputation etc.

 

[rafiki_]

Trevor, I think this is one where you have to agree with the owner that you need to inspect the tanks, if you have any concerns. Sounds like a boat you fancy, but you have to be objective,mans if in doubt walk, be prepared to walk away unless the owner is sensible.

 

[Flynnbarr]

A wise old friend of mine once told unless you see it with your own eyes believe nothing,people can be full of ****( not necessarily the current owner).Good luck.

You can't write c.r.a.p. on here??

 

[Lon nan Gruagach]

Not a guaranteed test, but try a magnet. Some stainless does exhibit ferrous properties, but not as much as steel...

 

[superheat6k]

Having pressed the vendor he has sent me the repair invoice from 1998, where it describes the port tank had been replaced 'fabricated to pattern', but no mention of the material, nor the stbd, thus I assume both are mild steel. This is a known weak point on these boats so now I need to assess a sensible price to replace these, not a simple job on these boats.

Problem here is I have already assessed the value of the boat based upon maximum price possible for the model if presented in VGC, less cost of immediate repairs to get her to such a condition & essential inventory, assuming is has stainless tanks already. Still better than the basket case I had seen previously, and for which the owner is still living with the fairies somewhere in cloud cuckoo land.

But this revelation with the tanks, which he had stated were of stainless, might be a knock too far for him. Still nice to be in my position I suppose, just getting itchy palms presently.

 

[Jurgen]

There will ALWAYS BE ANOTHER BOAT. I know the itching palm situation but if in doubt WALK.

Good luck with the hunt ��

 

[Flynnbarr]

I agree there will always be another boat but in the case of the op he wants one particular make and Corvettes of that era usually all have 'issues',or at least the ones I looked at had.
The trick is finding the one with the fewest/smallest 'issues',that is the difficult bit.
Or buy a year 2000+ model with yanmars but they are all 120k plus!