Refurbishing rusty fuel tanks, POR-15

[JohnCDechon]

Sent: 10/17/2003

You can leave the dowels in as long as you want, just use a release agent on them. SOP for this kind of thing when using epoxy-like products.

John D.

[Photoman]

Sent: 11/4/2003

I finally solved my problem of the dowel stuck in the fuel line tube inside the main gas tank, that I had placed in there to keep it open when I coated the inside of the tank with the POR-15 tank sealer.  Not remembering to pull the dowels out before the sealer set up, was not one of the smarter things I've done.  I tried using a glue releasing solvent, but that didn't work.  I broke off a section of the dowel trying to pull the darn thing out with a pliers.  I could no longer get ahold of it with even a needle-nose pliers, so I decided to see if I could drill the dowel out.  I found a 1/4" X 14" long drill bit at Menards and placed the tank upside down between 2 garbage cans so when I drilled, the shavings would fall out to the ground and not into the tank. Well, the bit was about 1 inch or so too short to reach the end of the tube, and it was still plugged.  So I went back out to Menards and found a 1/4'' aluminum rod for $1.49 that's made to support xmas lights along a walkway.  It was about 3' long so I cut a section off to a point and drilled the last little bit of wood out with that.  So now my tanks are ready to re-install.  My next question is whether or not I should put them back on now or wait until spring.  I'm sure I won't be wanting to take it out anywhere now as winter is starting to set in here in Iowa.  Is it better to store them inside the Winnie in the aisle, or should I re-install them and fill the tanks with gas and add the fuel preservative & stabilizer?  I had to back the Winnie up on a couple 2X12's to raise her up enough to be able to drop the tanks down.  If those boards sink into the ground, I'm afraid I won't have enough clearance to get the tanks re-installed.  Suggestions?  Photoman

[denisondc]

Sent: 11/4/2003

No big deal, but personally I would reinstall the tanks now, maybe fill them with gas. This way if you need to move the winny, the tanks are already there. deniso

[Photoman]

Sent: 11/4/2003

I think it's best to try to hook the tanks back up before winter is in full swing, too.  We should have at least a few more days of mild weather yet.  You're right, the POR-15 puts a beautiful finish on the tanks.  I shined a high intensity light inside the tanks, and the insides look great, too.  I think that tank sealer did one heck of a job covering the rust.  Thanks for all your help and suggestions.  Photoman

[Photoman]

Sent: 11/10/2003

I worked all day today re-installing the front (smaller) tank on my '72 D22.  I had one heck of a time tightening down the upper bolts of the u shaped support straps.  I'm ready to start on hooking up the rear (bigger) tank, but now I'm wondering if I made all the electrical hook ups on the first tank that I was supposed to.  I know that the wire that runs from the fuel gauge to the tank connects to the center stud on the sending unit, but is there another wire that is grounded to the chassis frame?  It's been so long since I took out the tanks that I've forgotten the hook-ups.  I'm wondering if a ground wire is supposed to run from one of the five mounting screws of the sending unit to the chassis frame?  If that's the case, is there another option for grounding on the tank I already have installed since I can't get at the sending unit without taking the tank down again?  No way do I want to do that again unless I absolutely have to!  Hoping Denison can help me on this.  I ran new fuel hoses, new wiring, and new locking gas caps, so should be in good shape when done. Would appreciate a quick reply as supposed to be mid 50's here tomorrow, but then a cold front moves in.  Photoman

[Wantawinnie]

Here is another option if you are looking for a sealer. I've used Bill Hirsch products for sealing gas tanks on several occasions. One I did about 20 years ago in a leaking metal tank on a Dodge Ramcharger. Holes had rusted through under the gas tank straps. I cleaned out the tank, applied tape over the holes, and dumped in the sealer. The sealer filled the holes and stopped all the leaks. I drove the truck for another 10 years or so and even plowed snow with it. It is now retired but still has the tank and whatever gas was in it from the day I parked it in the weeds.

Also, used the same sealer on an older car my dad has for about just as long and a Farmall M about 7 years ago.

Makes some nice paints as well.

http://www.hirschauto.com/products.asp?dept=4