What tank was this originally?

[Michael.Brown]

Hi all,

I have attached two photos of the underside of my W/NG tank, and am wondering if this is in fact an original W/NG tank or from another model. Does the Pat No. 215567 prove anything i.e date, model etc. If you look carefully you will see a hole in the centre which is blanked off! Correct or not? Could it be where the oil gauge would have gone in pre war models, and Ariel just blanked it off for the military version? Interesting cut out on tank clearing the carburettor but appears to be welded in two parts? I bet this tank could tell a story.

Mike

[paul.jameson]

It is a pre-war or early post-war 350 tank suitably modified. As you say, the hole in the centre is where the oil gauge pipe went but the outer weld at the back of the base is the bottom of the tube which took the PA speedo cable. Quite why someone welded in the semi-circular recess above the carb I have no idea as it is not necessary for a W/NG. The only reason I can think of for this is if someone had fitted a 500cc engine with a tall carb but the chances are you will never know.

Anyway, if it holds fuel and looks correct from above - all is well.

[Michael.Brown]

Thank you Paul. As you say it looks correct from above, it was something I hadn't noticed before hence my question.

Mike