Repairing a fuel tank

[Fast_Eddie]

I have a wagon fuel tank with no dents in the underside, but unfortunately rust holes in the top. I have another with a perfect top, but with more hits than the Beatles underneath.

Is it feasable to have the top cut off one and attached to the other? If so, does anyone know who would undertake the repair in Sydney?

Regards

Edward

[mad_ozi_hunter]

gday
had the same problem with my tank 4 the ute.rust holes on the top of one ect.the process use to weld top to bottom is called roll welding.the way it was explained to me sounded complicated.everyone i took it to said it was not worth thier while.in the end i took it to a friend who is a ex panel beater.he cut the rust out in sections then welded plates same thickness in there place.some touch up then tar and u will never know.
if u find someone willing to do the job make sure tank is flushed in case there is some petrol fumes ect
also u must treat the tank after it has been repaired as it will rust on the inside where the weld is.he used a product that he said was used by motor bike tank repaires.just need to find a good welder
m_o_h

[The_Doctor]

i welded up an EK tank years ago..same prob..rust holes on top..i filled the tank with water and let it sit for a few days..flushed it out with detergent and let it sit some more before filling it with water yet again and then welding..easy enuff to patch but a little time consuming  

[Shayne]

Radiator shops can be a good repairer of fuel tanks too.  I haven't tried it, but ammonia can also be used to flush any fuel residues out & kill the vapours.  Water sounds easier to me though.

[paddockbasher]

I recently got my tank repaired through a Radiator shop in Orange NSW. Initially had a lot of problems getting someone to fix it; apparently can be very dangerous. Found an old fellow Laurie Woods (L & S Woods Radiators 02 6362 7283) who did an excellent job cutting it open, beating it out and patching/sealing/painting)

[ACE]

Hi Fast_Eddie,
I'd leave it to the experts.
They could possibly make a "Long Range" tank out of the 2 of them.
Regards ACE

[Fast_Eddie]

Ace,

I'm flat out working out what to do with the stale fuel that's still in it, let alone putting naked flame or sparks near it.

Thanks everyone for your advice, I've found a radiator place that is willing to look at it,

Regards

Edward

[oldgmh]

Don't forget that a tank of fuel is safer from an explosion than a tank of fumes, which can ignite and explode easier than easy!!

Many years ago a mate of mine in Canberra attempted to weld up a fuel tank that was half full of water - but it was also half full of fumes. It exploded and he lost an eye ..poor bugger.   So make sure that it is FULL of water or send it to the professionals.

good luck.

[Dave_EH]

Filling  the tank with carbon monoxide (exhaust fumes) will also stop explosion as it is an inert gas.

Truthfully your life is generally worth worth than a couple of hundreds bucks - get some other mug to do it.

Dave

[Ed]

CO is the way to neutralise it as Dave says,

I welded up my tank no probs using this method... still walking... just.


Cheers

Ed