Restoration of the fuel tank

The Lotus Seven S4 (Type 60) was fitted with a 7 ¹ / ₂ gallons (34 L, 9 gal US) steel petrol tank. It is held in place by two bolts (which run through holes in flanges at the lower lip of the ends of the tank) and by two bolts that are also used for mounting the body. The tank shows some fire damage with removal of paint towards the cockpit side (see [link] ). In addition, the fuel gauge sender unit has been subjected to sufficient heat to melt the connectors ( [link] ).

The fuel gauge sender was removed in order to ascertain potential damage. Upon inspection, it was decided to replace the mechanicals, connectors, and the float, in order to simplify refitting, because the replacement sender required a different mounting bracket. Replacement fuel tank sender units are available for Smiths gauges from APT Instruments (Bloomington, MN). [link] shows the rebuilt sender unit. The tank was then restored and rebuilt by Lucas Racing and Restoration (Houston, TX).

Once the sender was removed, along with the old rubber hoses, the outside of the tank was media blasted to remove all the paint and reveal any defects ( [link] and [link] ). Of which none were apparent, and thus the decision was made to reuse the tank.

After thorough cleaning the tank was dried and then painted with black enamel. Refitting the rebuilt sender ( [link] ) and hoses ( [link] and [link] ).

Resources

• Lucas Racing and Restoration, 10030 Talley Lane, Houston, Texas 77041, USA. Tel: +1 713 462 0068. www.lucasracinginc.com .
• Gaugeguys dba APT Instruments, 9632 Humboldt Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55431, USA. Tel: +1 952 881 7095. www.gaugeguys.com .

Bibliography

• J. Tipler, Lotus and Caterham Seven: Racers for the Road , Crowood Auto Classic, UK (1995).