Repairing a +2 fuel tank

[richardl46]

My fuel gauge hardly moves past the empty mark, even after putting in 4 gals when it should be over half full. The PO had obviously fitted a new sender unit as the old one came with a box of spares. I decided to check the sender but first emptied the tank via a tap I had fitted in the boot. To my surprise the retaining ring fell off after just one light tap with a screwdriver. Someone had filed off two of the three lugs on the tank, probably to access the sender. The possible consequences of flooding the boot with petrol don't bear thinking about!

I tried a bit of fettling in situ but soon realised it would be impossible to achieve a reliable fix. The tank is now out and I'm looking at the various options to make a repair without spending circa £400 on a new alloy tank.

First thought is to get a local radiator/tank specialist to build up the two missing lugs to allow the retaining ring to be tightened. A better option would be to find an old rusty tank from which the plate containing the lugs could be transferred or source this part from one of the replacement Lotus tank fabricators.

Any Forum advice on the best way forward would be appreciated. Incidentally I have flooded the tank twice with hot water and Jizer so it can be safely transported to a specialist.

[TonyA]

Sorry to hear about your misfortune; if its any consolation in looking fior a scrap fuel tank to get the locking ring housing, an MGB has same ring, probably other contemporary Brit classics, whose parts are more numerous ( and cheaper) than Elans,..Tony

[elanman999]

I've got a spare tank and as I've sold my +2 I'll not need it. I'll get some pics tomorrow and PM them to you.
I'm in North Yorks so not too far.
Cheers
John

[richardl46]

Thanks TonyA for suggesting the MGB tanks for my search. There must be plenty of old ones lying around, judging by the number of new ones on sale.

Very interested in your +2 tank elanman999. I look forward to getting your PM.

Richard