Planned obsolescence?? Part II

I posted earlier about not being able to find a gas tank for my 2001 Chevy Tracker with 4 door, 4WD, and 2.5 V6. I still haven't. Got lots of replies and a few saying the new tanks were "easily" found.

No insult intended but I wasn't born yesterday and have a little smarts when it comes to parts ID and locating. Do I miss something that someone else might find? Sure. That's why I posted here.

That being said - come on! Stick a boat tank in the back?? And how do I make the high-pressure pump fit inside there to feed the EFI?


Note I contacted several OEM GM dealers and all at first said they could get it. That until they actually looked it up and found "no longer available."

To respond directly to a few that replied . .

LOU from Wi - with - Auto Parts Warehouse
Thanks Lou. I checked and they only show two gas tanks and neither is correct.

Rich_WI “I found them listed as new from places that others mentioned like Auto Parts Warehouse as well as others.” “If all else fails (it wont but just for the sake of argument), put in a generic aluminum boat tank and never worry about it again.”

Rich - the boat tank idea is out. Also, Auto Parts Warehouse does not show a tank for my Tracker. Not when I got there and search.

BillOHIO and SDE car-part.com

Bill - Car-part was the first place I tried. I found 8 gas tanks that would fit throughout the country in the listing. I called each place and either they were gone, or they refused to ship.

IH2444 GMC dealer $247 and $300 shipping?

$300 for shipping? I suspect it's BS and it's not even available like I found out from many other GM dealers. If it WAS - how can anyone justify charging $300 just to ship a clean new tank?

You might have to get creative and do a little modifying on one.

Google Vintage Parts Incorporated. They have a contract to buy all GM late model obseleted parts. If there is a new GM tank out there, they have it. You can call to see if they have it, but will have to order through your local GM dealer as they don't do retail.

What about trying to match one from a Suzuki Sidekick? Or even an Isuzu?

JD,
You might have to try a custom gas tank fabrication shop. Below is one link to one, I am sure there are others. They should be able to build one to suit your needs. It's bs to have even a newer vehicle as you have to get obsolete parts. My son had a few vehicle magazines that showed places who made gas tanks for older,obsolete tanks, but he got rid of them. If you have time, you could call LMC truck and see if they have one or know of where to find a replacement to fit. I am just thinking out loud and hope it helps.
LOU
custom made tanks.

Jd,
another spot to call,maybe they will have an aftermarket tank that will work.
Link below,
LOU
poke here

Guessing here but would Suizuki Vitara tank work .


http://www.partshotlines.com/component/phl/search/

I believe fuel pump is the same but tank filler and attachment to tank I am not sure about.
Good luck!

Your vehicle is in the 'in between' stage the builder has quit making the part but the aftermarket guys haven't had enough demand yet to build a replacement.Same with some tractors its easier to find a part for a 50 year old tractor than 20 year old tractor.How long will it be before the Gov't outlaws making replacement part for over a certain amount of time to force people to buy the news ones?

Sorry, I thought I was talking to somebody that could handle some basic fabrication and had average mechanical skills. If you are unable to mount a generic tank under a car, then you clearly dont have those skills. We are talking high school shop class kind of skills, not putting a man on the moon kind of skills...

Now, having learned more about you and your abilities I can give a much better recommendation. Call a repair shop and have them put a tank in for you. Things should work out much better for you this way. But whatever way you go, I wish you good luck, it sounds like you will really need it.