<VV> Disappointing gas tank leak, brakes, looks

[D. Barry Ellison]

It must have been 8-10 years ago now, that I drained, cleaned, and coated 
the gas tank in my 65 Corsa.  It was last tagged in 1980 when I bought it 
about 1996.  Yes, it sat that long.

After getting it running (for the 4th time) a few weeks back, I took it to 
work, filled it up, went inside to pay.  Came out, there's 3' diameter wet 
spot centered under the front of the car.  I knew I didn't spill any.  It 
was pretty obvious it was coming out of the top of the tank.  I figured one 
of the 2 rubber hoses connecting to the filler tube were shot.  I've been 
driving it for several weeks now w/o event.  When I got gas, I was careful 
to not put in too much.

I got froggy this weekend and went after it.  They were both pliable.  No 
visible rust on top.  Couldn't get to them very well, so I pulled the whole 
tank.  Tubes looked REALLY good but I took them to my FLAPS for new 
anyhow,"while I was in there".  I got this from the guy behind the 
counter..."We don't carry either of those sizes."  ROFL... but not at the 
time.  Heck, the vent tube was 7/16".  Why wouldn't they have that?

I decided to put a little air pressure to the tank.  I put some spittle 
where the vent tube attaches to the tank, plugged the filler hole with a 
rag, and put air into the vent tube - low and behold, it bubbled.  I mixed 
some epoxy together, poured it on, reinstalled same tubes, reinstalled tank, 
filled her up the next day.  So far, it's held.

So, do I have more leaks coming?  Is it rusting from the inside out due to 
water in the tank?  Anomaly?  Incorrect/cheap materials used at that joint?  
Otherwise, the tank looks brand new from the outside.  No evidence of long 
term leaks.

I replaced my brake lines w/SS braided while I was there.  My right one must 
have stopped up - pulled to the L on the 1st hard brake, then stopped 
straight for next x consecutive stops.  Hits me each time I got off the 
interstate, which is 4 times a day.

I saw a guy almost lose control of his truck coming at me head on this 
morning.  1st he pointed at me to get my attention...then a big thumbs up 
out the front then the side windows.  :)

Even got a thumbs up from a guy in a really sweet 69 camaro this morning.

Ahhh, the Corvair Smile.

Barry in SC
2 lates, 2 earlies, but weeding the flock - just about have the wife 
convinced to drive the convertible if we make sure the A/C is working.  :)  
She looks good in it, too.  Red 65 Vert with Black int, black top, wife has 
medium jet black hair to blow in the breeze.  (But then, she looks good any 
other time, too.)