That is why I inquired.  You cannot mix parts from the early (up to 1964) and later (1965 onward) gauge systems.  The compatible gauges and fuel senders are fairly easy to identify from photographs.  

Does it even smell like a gas tank? Maybe it was used for ballast water for cornering or something???

The Speedo and Fuel gauge are not original to the car so no info would be applicable . Nothing found in the tank relating to a pipe or fuel filter. REgards  

hehe first glance at your last photos, I was wondering what a loaf of bread has to do with a gas tank?

The debris removed is horrible.  I suspect the car was only running off the RH tank for a very long time.  When using the endoscope did you find the pickup tube and plastic filter inside the tank?

I would still like to see pictures of the front and back of the speedometer and fuel gauge.  What I did not make clear in previous posts is that the early gauge system parts (before 1964) and those used after 1964 cannot be mixed.  It's pretty easy to tell what sending unit type you need from which type of fuel gauge is present.

Hi this is the final bit of info about the tank in question . I stripped the nipple area and you can see evidence of a line which may indicate a plate has been welded in - Internal views are not conclusive . Also the amount of debris inside the tank is shown . This tank will be stored for ' story telling ' after rust inhibitor has been applied .

 Thanks for all the comments and help 

Just a thought maybe the car was using a fuel cell when it was raced.

In an earlier post I mentioned my surprise about the fuel tank you have and its use of the early bolt-on sending unit.  You cited Parnell page 53 Feb. '64.  Look further down the page to September '64.  The September transition should include the later tank, later sender, and later fuel gauge.  The tank you have now is an early Mk1 type (Before September '64).  

Can you post a couple of clear photographs showing both the front and back of the speedometer with the fuel gauge mounted?  From the pictures we'll be able to confirm what you have for gauges and which tank and sender you need to work with the fuel gauge.

Hi will check with an internal camera and let you know . Car is still fitted with an external ( I think ) a race pump. which I will replace for std SU . Thanks for your mail  

 Hi thanks for the mail your Quote :For future reference, the left hand tanks were not unique to U.S. cars.  All standard Mini sedans had LH tanks and that's where the sending unit goes.  There are no factory RH tanks with sending units.  The -S used the same tank as the standard Mini.  Early Coopers and -S models could have an optional RH tank up until 1966 when I believe they became standard on those cars.  Others can correct my dates.

 Ok my data shows the fuel tank was redesigned from body no 23174 ( Feb 64) ref Parnel page 53

The LH tanks have a 1/4" tube that penetrates the bottom of the tank.  Inside the tank it runs parallel to the bottom for a short distance, is then welded to a support bracket, and finally terminates with a plastic mesh filter to keep big debris out of the fuel pump.  
Did not know the layout inside the tank so this tells not to bother putting just a nipple on the old LH tank as the screen filter ( nut and bolt catcher )  is necessary in my view 

I am curious what a previous owner may have done to your tank.  For about $10 on eBay you can get a USB endoscope that will hook to a laptop or cell phone.  I bought one on a whim and have used it to do things like look inside fuel tanks.  For grins, why not buy one of those just to look inside and see what's going on?  Periodically you'll find other uses for the camera.
 I have a camera for checking this ( good reminder) so will let you know what I find  

You are fortunate to have found NOS parts for the 333 box.  2nd and 3rd gears are getting hard to find.    Yes hard to find the gears and bought 2 nos 3rd gears , one from Australia and the other from Germany (over £100 each) - keeping one as a spare .
Are you going to continue your rebuild with the intention of using the Weber or are you planning on returning to using twin SUs?  The engine in this car was a metro block bought in 1985 with many Longman modifcation parts .
I decided to go stock and sourced a thin flange block sleeved back to +0.030".. Getting ready to fit the piston gudgen pins on to some S con rods. Going to fit std 1/4" SU carbs with stock airfilter box ( they are expensive to buy  ( £500 typical uk price) 

 Will keep you posted Regards Bruce

I think your first idea was correct. You said that the car has a racing history? I'm guessing the tank was converted to an internal pump. I'd bet you would find a welded up hole under the paint.

For future reference, the left hand tanks were not unique to U.S. cars.  All standard Mini sedans had LH tanks and that's where the sending unit goes.  There are no factory RH tanks with sending units.  The -S used the same tank as the standard Mini.  Early Coopers and -S models could have an optional RH tank up until 1966 when I believe they became standard on those cars.  Others can correct my dates.

The LH tanks have a 1/4" tube that penetrates the bottom of the tank.  Inside the tank it runs parallel to the bottom for a short distance, is then welded to a support bracket, and finally terminates with a plastic mesh filter to keep big debris out of the fuel pump.  

I am curious what a previous owner may have done to your tank.  For about $10 on eBay you can get a USB endoscope that will hook to a laptop or cell phone.  I bought one on a whim and have used it to do things like look inside fuel tanks.  For grins, why not buy one of those just to look inside and see what's going on?  Periodically you'll find other uses for the camera.

You are fortunate to have found NOS parts for the 333 box.  2nd and 3rd gears are getting hard to find.  Are you going to continue your rebuild with the intention of using the Weber or are you planning on returning to using twin SUs?

 

Hi yes  will do that and sell the tank on as I now have a correct bmc tank to go in the car . 
 Thanks for your help 

So Bruce, drill the tank and braze in a nipple for your fuel outlet.

Hi the car was purchased in the USA and imported by another person . It was re-paneled and painted but the engine was not coupled to the fuel tanks so i dont know when they were last used - I've got to car undergoing restoration in my garage  on a ramp being converted back to stock with a rebuilt all nos gears in a  333 box and thin flange block etc . The LH tank looks relatively new circa 5 years maybe  but the lack of nipple at the base has got me confused so as previously stated I have got another LH tank. Pic of front sub out , note the additional blanking panel next to clutch housing and the DCOE 40 airbox in the bulk head.

 Contact you guys in US as would know more about LH tanks for LHD cars . I checked all the old invoices that came with the car going back to 1985- nothing refers to buying a LH tank 

 Thanks for your help any way  Regards Bruce

Interesting that your car has all the dates saying it's a '65.  I hope Chuck Heleker sees this post and can comment on the transition period between the new and old gauges/senders.

Have you had this car running since acquiring it?  Does the fuel gauge give a reading?  Did the LH tank have fuel in it when you removed it?  Am I correct assuming that if you put fuel in the RH tank it pours out of the disconnected "T" fitting?

Hi thanks for the pics and info . We have the Heritage cert says built 12th may 1965  . The wiper motor has been replaced.  I did not know about the boot lock date so removed and cleaned it up .See attached pics which looks like   5  65 . Agreed the twin tanks did not become standard  till  1966. But why would you put a tank in and just weld up the nipple at the bottom  unless its just for show . Also  the old petrol pipe connections in the boot show a Tee piece to couple  twin tanks .
 Just  does not make sense to fit a tank with no exit for the fuel at the base.
 
 Just bought another left hand tank with nipple at the bottom ( as one would expect)  .
 Thanks for all your help  

Thanks

The photo of the small bore race was taken at Bridgehampton Race Circuit on Long Island.

Your records say the car was exported to France in '65.  However, the fuel tank is the earlier type with the bolt-on sending unit.  I believe those stopped being produced in late '64.   Check for production dates on the boot lid lock, high/low beam switch on the floor, the cover of the windshield wiper motor, and the distributor body.  Of course, several of those parts could have been changed or replaced over the years.  I suggest making a few cursory checks for production dates on the car and then contacting BMHT for a Heritage Certificate.  Regardless, it would not be unheard of for a car to sit unsold for a while and be listed as produced/built the first year it was registered.


EDIT:  I found my old LH tank and took the photograph above.  You can see the fuel nipple in the bottom right corner of the picture where the white plastic cap is.  Your tank should have a nipple in the same place.  After studying your pictures, I think that someone must have converted your LH tank to be a "dummy".  Isn't the picture linked below of your tank showing the same corner of the tank as in my picture?  With no fuel nipple I don't see how your tank can deliver fuel.






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