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New Fuel Tank for TR2


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Hi All,

 

I am looking to buy a new 12.5 Gallon Fuel tank for my '55 TR2. I made enquiries with Andy Wiltshire at Axminster but unfortunately Andy has orders to April 2017 and he is then going to cease manufacture of TR2-TR6 fuel tanks.

His Email response follows.....

 

"Hello Adrian,

Thank you for your email.
I am going to have to let you down here I'm afraid. We are unable to get any stock together due to ongoing orders and are booked up until April next year. There is just myself and my wife and we are trying to run our business rather than it running us (working too many hours etc). We have recently taken some difficult decisions with regards to the direction of our business and we have decided that we will no longer be making the TR2 through to TR6 fuel tanks. There is a reasonable amount of work involved with them and without sounding too mercenary, there is very little profit to be made.
Our website will be updated this week.
Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Regards,
Andy Wiltshire
Axminster Specialist Panels Ltd.

 

 

 

Does anyone know where I can buy a new and correct tank? All the pictures I see are the slightly different TR3a tank.

 

I also require correct tank straps, anyone got a pair they wish to sell?

 

Kind regards

Adrian

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I think Revington TR can still supply a TR2 option as well as the later 3 and 3A type tanks . . . . . .

 

I'm not surprised, unfortunately, that Andy has ceased production of TR tanks.

 

However much TR owners like to talk up the appreciating value of their cars, too many owners are not prepared to pay proper money for bespoke specialist parts, so specialist manufacturers will turn to other marques which offer a better return . . . . .

 

I've recommended quite a few TR owners to Andy in recent years, and the subsequent responses of some of these potential purchasers has made me wince - sorry chaps, but at best you get what you pay for in life, and if you're only prepared to pay peanuts . . . .

 

Cheers

 

Alec

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Adrian

 

Disappointing about Andy's descision. I was going to order one from him too.

 

Just found this supplier very near to both of us. Have no idea of the quality and not built to original spec, ( I think they are TR3a shape ) but seem very cheap!

 

Also on ebay but more expensive. Has 100% feedback.

 

http://alicool.co.uk/f-tanks-triumph.html

 

Les

Edited by Les
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I have been in touch with Alicool and had a good response. I have an invite to drop in with my old early tank, which they are sure they can copy.

 

Their website shows a lot of interesting items, including TR radiators and tanks.

 

Les

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Hi Les

 

That sounds promising, I did read on their webpage that they are happy to make changes to existing products or use you old tank as a pattern. Please let me know how you get on. I haven't got an original pattern tank but would be interested if they are well made, 12.5 gallon and the same design (not asking for much really lol). Do they have the internal baffles too?

Thanks for your feedback

 

Kind regards

Ade

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Adrian

 

They look good on the website. They do have baffles. Ends are plain, not ribbed, all seams tig welded. Available black powder coated. They make tanks for Aston Martins and Lotus, and radiators with or without fans for TR4-6, TR7 & TR8. Seem to favour Triumphs so worth looking into.

 

I would be happy to fit the later, smaller tank. After all, you can't see it when it's in place.

Edited by Les
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That's right Adrian. The front face of the later tank slopes back, rather than the vertical face of the TR2 tank. The original TR2 tank board will fit over either tank, but may need a bit of support to prevent flexing. A TR3a board would not fit over the TR2 tank.

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Today I have dropped my old tank into Alicool. A very clean modern unit on a modern industrial estate.

 

Along with my old tank, I had made a cardboard pattern of the boot floor to ensure that the fuel outlet and drain plug will line up. I explained to Keith, the boss, that I wanted a full size TR2 tank, and was assured that this was not a problem as they already made the right tank, including some for Moss.

 

He took me into the work area where I was able to see some partly made sidescreen tanks and some other finished items in order to see the welding quality. All looked excellent! I was most surprised at the gauge of aluminium used for the tanks, about 3mm. I was expecting to find the same gauge as a steel tank. Most impressed. :)

 

I decided I had seen enough to place my order there and then. Tank will be ready for collection in about two weeks. I will then test the fit in my boby tub and report back here with a few photographs.

 

Les

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Ade, I have pre-warned Keith that he will likely receive at least one more order! :ph34r:

 

We could possibly test fit it in your tub also, before you commit to order one. We can sort that when it is finished.

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It will be interesting to see what its like Les as Moss were having problems with previous supply of them as they were coming through built the same as 3 ones.

Stuart.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hi all

 

Today I got a call from Alicool requesting that I drop in to see them regarding the outlets on my new tank. The tank is taking shape nicely and yes, it is the 'proper' TR2 large tank.

 

The reason I was contacted was that on my original steel tank, the fuel pipe outlet is a male fitting, whereas Alicool fit a welded-in alloy female boss for both the fuel outlet and the drain plug. With only my steel tank as a reference, I am unsure how it would have been originally, but as my tank had been repaired several times the drain plug was non existent, (removed and plated over) and the fuel outlet, although in the correct place, was sealed due to damage, and a second identical male outlet added next to it.

 

Question is.....do TR2/3/3a tanks have male or female fittings? I know it will be simple to fit a male/male adapter but what was original?

 

Les

Edited by Les
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Les,

 

I have just checked my TR2 tank and can confirm that both the central fuel outlet and the offset drain are female fittings.

 

I.e. the fuel pipe union and the drain plug will need to have male threads..

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It will be interesting to see what its like Les as Moss were having problems with previous supply of them as they were coming through built the same as 3 ones.

Stuart.

Moss are missing a trick then.

They have/had the OE drawings for the tanks as I sourced them when I was there. and the bit I learnt was that the breather was not just a hole in the tank, it has an internal pipework arrangement to reduce/stop self syphoning.

One of the first off TR batch (in stainless steel and made by the people who made Bristol Car's bonnets) went to Pat MacMahon in Eire and he is still using it - I note he is selling/has sold his orig steel tank on here.

Peter W

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Moss are missing a trick then.

They have/had the OE drawings for the tanks as I sourced them when I was there. and the bit I learnt was that the breather was not just a hole in the tank, it has an internal pipework arrangement to reduce/stop self syphoning.

One of the first off TR batch (in stainless steel and made by the people who made Bristol Car's bonnets) went to Pat MacMahon in Eire and he is still using it - I note he is selling/has sold his orig steel tank on here.

Peter W

It was a supplier error not Moss`s fault.

Stuart.

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  • 2 weeks later...

:):):)

IMG_6528_zpsyzdwco1a.jpg

 

IMG_6530_zps76qtolq4.jpg

 

IMG_6529_zps5dshwsrg.jpg

 

IMG_6531_zpsdqjrqdwb.jpg

 

I will test fit the tank into the body tub over the weekend. Very pleased so far.

 

Nice shiny ally tanks look great, but as you can't see it when fitted.....I took the option of powder coating.

 

Les

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PM sent Stuart

 

Prices on their website and Facebook pages.

 

I have tried the tank in my tub. Fuel outlet spot on...... filler neck spot on,......drain plug very slightly to the offside but a socket still goes on ok.

 

Les

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Ade, they have already added the tank to their website and Facebook. £300 inc vat or £320 if powdercoated. Part number AC55 for 1953-55.

 

It would be helpful if someone could check the measurement centre to centre of the fuel outlet and drain plug, either from a fuel tank or good boot floor. Mine was made to the dimension I gave them but a 1/4" less would have been better.

 

Les

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Les

 

I have an original floor in my car and also a new replacement. I will check dimensions tomorrow morning for you if nobody else has already responded

 

Thanks for the info and all your efforts to get the tank produced

 

Kind regards

Ade

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Les

I have done some measurements on my brand new (unfitted) boot floor panel - Moss Part 900412 (TR2/3 Post TS60000). Rough sketch attached.

For some reason it keeps spinning the photo upside down!

Regards
Ade

post-12769-0-19234100-1476534932_thumb.jpg

Edited by AJ2014
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