So I took my gas tank out, saw a little rust (minimal) and decided to take it to my local radiator shop to get cleaned and sealed. $150 later I get it back cleaned sealed and ready to go but I find that the damn pick up and float lever are rusty as well. I'm planning to sand off the rust (basically surface), give it a light coat of oil and call it a day but wanted to see if anyone had any other ideas techniques or fuel proof paint/sealer recommendations etc.

I don't have any recommendations but I guess you need to change your signature now... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Sorry I couldn't resist... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cyclops.gif" alt="" />

I'm running a lwb sender in a swb ..Its a 89 coil swb not your 87 leaf truck ...Had to bend the float arm some ..But it worked look there .. Theres two 87's in a yard here if you need one ...

If you search the forum on fuel sender or sending unit, there are quite a few threads on this already. I had mine repaired by a place in NY state recommended here... the name escapes me (again), but they did a bang up job of replacing/brazing-in all new tubing and recoating the exterior exposed pieces in a special 2-part epoxy. IIRC it ran me about $140 plus shipping there. Return shipping was included in the repair price. I think for an extra $25 I included the gauge sending unit and they recalibrated it and epoxy coated the exterior on that too.

Of course your other option is just to replace it with another unit. New from the dealer IIRC again is about $450. Yeah.

To just recoat yourself, I recommend going to an industrial paint supply. You'll need at least a 2part epoxy to deal with the fuel resistance, and you may find yourself needing buy at least a pint, maybe a quart. By time you do this though, you may be at least half way to having a professional recondition the whole unit for you.

Other things to keep in mind - if you already have it disconnected, you should already know what condition your flex feed line is in - a new one from Mitsu I think was $25. The cargo area access hatch seal is obsolete. So treat your current piece with care or you'll end up needing to make one yourself.

I'd also recommend replace the mounting screws for both sending units with stainless steel (for future maintenance ease).

Good luck.

Jim

Got me on that one. I was just so hyped up when I found a Mitsubishi car/ truck in the northeast with no body or frame rust. Its the hidden stuff that kills me and I keep finding spots as I tear this thing down but the majority is surface so it can be grinded and repainted. Its just that any rust in the fuel system is asking for trouble. Anyway, sig changed <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Haztoys there is a 87 near me in a pick a part so I may take a look at that first.
[/quote]If you search the forum on fuel sender or sending unit, there are quite a few threads on this already. I had mine repaired by a place in NY state recommended here... the name escapes me (again), but they did a bang up job of replacing/braxing-in all new tubing and recoating the exterior exposed pieces in a special 2-part epoxy. IIRC it ran me about $140 plus shipping there. Return shipping was included in the repair price. I think for an extra $25 I included the gauge sending unit and they recalibrated it and epoxy coated the exterior on that too. [/quote]

I'm going to search for that place in NY, do you remember there turn around time by any chance? Also forgot to say this but I'm putting an electric pump in and the rubber filler hose is worn out so I need to find a replacement for that as well.

IIRC, it was last year March - not exactly busy season for auto repairs - but by time they received it, they had it done in 2 or 3 days plus another 2 days ground shipping. So in all about a week.