Rubberized Gas Tank?

[GeorgeLeonard]

Im having fuel delivery problems on my 1985 J10 with 360 ci. or at least I think I am. Anyway, my attention has turned to the fuel tank and lines. Lotsa rust there so replacement seems in order. The skid plate under the gas tank is trashed to say the least. So I started to pick away at it with my fingers (always a good idea) and to my surprise, a rubberized (metal coated with rubber) fuel tank appeared on the outside to look in almost new condition. But nothing else surrounding the tank looks as if it could have been replaced so Im wondering if it could be the original tank kept nice because of the coating? I traced the fuel lines up to where they enter the tank and the original hose clamps disintegrated in my hands from rust. Would someone have replaced the tank and not replaced the hose clamps? Did Jeeps of this vintage come with coated fuel tanks?

I bought this Jeep from the local fire dept and although it has very low miles, it is the typical victim of too many mechanics/firemen not knowing very much out what they are doing. So nothing would surprise me. Anybody else have a coated fuel tank on their J10? Is it original or aftermarket?

[joe]

The coating on the fuel tank mount was prolly owner installed trying to slow down/hide the rust.. The tanks in 1980 and later are plastic.

[GeorgeLeonard]

I did not know that. Since mine is a 1985 it must be plastic and I just thought it was rubberized. That would explain the lack of any rust on the tank and its seemingly excellent condition.

[frank n texas]

I experienced and have read where others have experienced the plastic top of J truck gas tanks splitting open...Have to remove tank to see crack...

Mine was a few inches long..I repaired using a roll of fiberglass cloth and associated epoxy

Washed tank and roughed up area all around split with course sandpaper...then fiberglassed over crack....

Worked for me...may or may not work on your tank...Repairing gas tanks can be tricky and dangerous at best...Not suggesting you do what I did...Just telling you what I did...

Aftermarket tanks for J trucks 1980 and later NOT available far as I know...

[GeorgeLeonard]

Hmmm....just when I thought I might have a gas tank that would last forever. Trouble with repairs like that is you might develop a new crack only inches away from the old crack. After all, its the same material, same age, and is subject to the same stresses. Seems only reasonable to assume that it would crack again.