New fuel tank arrived:
It's a Spectra MZ2B for the 86-89 323 or 88/89 Mercury Tracer. Pictures showed a raw metal tank but this one is painted silver.
Fit as it should, the only thing different was missing a little tab to hold a check valve or something for the vapor vent line. And there's some foam bits installed on the OEM tank for sound purposes I guess, this does not have them. No drain plug either. Snagged the last one on Amazon for a cool $78 with free shipping.
I got the tank in and tested the fuel system. Found the rollover switch was unbolted and laying in the trunk from someone else's troubleshooting. Easy fix.
Cranked the engine a bit before giving it fuel to get the oil moving, and then she fired up no problems. Had a decent lifter tick until it warmed up but it sounds real good now.
Talked to the guy I got it from, it sounds like it was last running maybe 4-5 years ago, but based on the shape of the fuel tank I kinda doubt it - who knows. The battery that was in it is a Ford Motorcraft battery, maybe from 96? The date code portion is torn off. Either way it's running now!
Took it for a spin around the parking lot, clutch feels good. But it has no brakes so a short spin was all I did. The shifter is stiff as can be, I suspect the linkage at the shifter is rusted, needs TLC.
My order of copper-nickel brake line, fittings, and a new flaring tool came in today so I'll be tinkering with making new brake lines for it. Not looking forward to all that.
Contemplating doing the Big Brake Upgrade on the fronts, it likely needs new rotors & if I'm going in there I might as well do it with future service in mind. I wish there was an easier Master Cylinder upgrade