Rusty Fuel Tank Refurbish -DIY

[Jdt1976]

Thanks Herman, will do the epoxy then.

[Poppy62]

I just discovered the tank of my '65 Landy is a rusty mess and have set up a little electrolysis-based derusting system in the garage: Tank filled with soda wash and water, anode dangling through the sender hole connected to my battery charger, other end of the charger connected to the tank. Seems to be working well so far!
Mike

[Donovan D]

I had my tank sand blasted, inside cleaned and coated.
The guys in the airforce did it and used the same procedures and products as what they use on the aircrafts.
There are very tiny pin holes in the tank at the bottom where the material was used between the tank and body. Is there some product to use to seal it off from the outside ?

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[retrovan]

Hi D

You can use the same system as In the 1st post, as it will seal the tank against fuel leaks.

But why do you not seal it from inside 1st, then spray the left over bit on the outside, this will be the best option, just ask your supplier which thinners you must use for the mixed sealer.

Good Luck

Herman

[Dawie]

Another option in your particular case... (where the worn part is easily accessible from the outside):
The "old school" method would be to fill that holes using lead solder. Should be easy. Use paint stripper gun to add some heat if soldering iron seems a bit on the small side.

[german]

Ask the guys from the airforce.I used to build fueltanks for my homebuilt aircraft and used ordinary poprivets.
You then throw in some magic glue and turn it all around that it flows all over inside, wait 24 hours and wolla. Aircraft approved!

[retrovan]

Well the two tanks are still doing fine, and as good as the day I coated them

Doing the Fleetline tank today, as it has cracks in it and I welded the cracks up but to make sure there are no others hiding, I am coating the tank to be sure.

Herman

[retrovan]

OK, so we did the Fleetline tank today

Had a lot of hair line cracks, and a hole near the filler pipe to tank joint.

Welded sealed inside and out, now going back into the bus.

Herman

[fourier]

Started the refurb of my Karmann Ghia tanks today. Thanks for the info Herman!

[acpaterson]

Dude, how can you be working on KG's when that white beetle isn't finished yet? Whats happening there Mr..

[fourier]

Yeah Alan, guilty as charged! One way to never finish a project, is to get started on another...

The Beetle is stuck in the back corner of the garage for the moment, while I'm trying to get the Ghia up and running. The Ghia still needs an engine, and a fuel tank refurb, both jobs are in progress. All other mechanical work is done. Then I can hopefully get to finish the Beetle.

[Bugger]

Also a Bump to push the Post to the Top

[retrovan]

16 June 2024,......... just to say that the tank's are still as good as they were the day I did the re coating, Proof it works.
Herman