Model J/JD Gas tank identification

[fletty999]

Hello All, recently I gained an original but beat up gas tank from the 1917-1924 style. Just wondering how you tell the difference between the 21-24 tank and the earlier 17-20 tanks, and how you can tell the difference between the 61" and the 74" tanks?

Thanks,
Fletty999

[MMasa]

21-24 tanks are wider and have larger cutouts for the rocker arms and towers.
61" and 74" used the same tanks in the same year.
Post some pics of the tanks.
Mark

[exeric]

Early J tanks are about 3" wide. If I wasn't all settled in, I'd go out to my shop and measure the later wide tanks I was going to post earlier, but I was waiting for Mark to post as he knows the many changes, and subtle difference by year.

[BigLakeBob]

If I wasn't all settled in


Is Ma already in her kerchief and you in your cap this early?

[exeric]

Dag-nab-it, Bob you know I can't jump up without thinkin' about it first.

[fletty999]

Below are some pictures.

IMG_4148.jpg

IMG_4149.jpg

IMG_4150.jpg

IMG_4151.jpg

[MMasa]

1917-1920 right tank.
Not sure on the foot. Maybe a period accessory?

[Rubone]

I always get naked before I photograph parts!

[Steve Swan]

I always get naked before I photograph parts!

i m into little toes.

[fletty999]

I sent the same photos off to the wheels through time museum fellas a couple of days ago, and they came back and said they think it is the 21-24 tank. So now I am confused. Below is the tank with a tape measure on it. Can anyone run a tape over theirs to confirm what year range it is?

IMG_4183.jpg

IMG_4180.jpg

IMG_4181.jpg

IMG_4184.jpg

IMG_4185.jpg

(I tried, but a few toes made it into these photos too)

[MMasa]

Maybe I'm wrong. I was just doing it by sight from the size of the cutouts in the picture. I'll measure a tank in the morning.
Mark

[fletty999]

Thanks for doing that, I have also noticed, by looking at these replica tanks, that there seems to be an extra bracket on the 21-24 tanks at the front, just in front of where they bolt together on the underside, if you look at the photos.

No bracket:

http://www.replicantmetals.com/slide%20shows2/3/3501-16/index.htm

bracket:

http://www.replicantmetals.com/slide%20shows2/3/3501-20/index.htm

Could someone also check that this is correct for original tanks? My tank has this bracket (or whats left of it).

Thanks,
Fletty

[fletty999]

Can anyone help me here in measuring some 1917-1920 or 1921-1924 tank dimensions to determine the year of my tank?

Rocker Cutout width = 4.5"
Rocker cutout depth = 2.5"
Tank width = 4.5"

And can anyone tell me what the most forward bracket on the underside is for and if the earlier tank has it or not?

[exeric]

Your tanks are the wider, late type. I did measure my late right side tank and it matches your above dimensions. My 1916 right side tank is approximately 3" + wide, and the rocker cutouts are aprox. 4" wide. If you plan to put gas in that tank, you have a lot of work to do. I've been into a lot of right side tanks; and holes, and lacey rust through needs to be fixed from the inside. Particularly if you intend to do a nice paint job. You can cut your way in, or melt out the solder seams to get access to the inside, but both methods are gruesome. The left/oil tank side always seems to be in better shape, which is probably due to the oil compartment.

All 3 brackets are bottom tank mounts that secure both tanks to each other and minimize stress on the top mounts, and plumbing lines. There is also a front wire loom bracket that routes the front spark plug wire.