Help me understand what I am seeing in pictures 2 & 3 , seemingly the same surface but with different finishes?
Yes, Klondike Kevin is correct - same surface, different lighting.
Kanadian Kevin, the piece still threaded to the outlet tube is identical to the piece still attached to the bottom of the tank. The first flange was brazed to the tank and the second one was brazed to the first one. Who knows why they just didn't use a thicker piece of metal for the outlet flange? I don't think the remaining portion on the tank would be thick enough to get enough threads cut into it.
I talked to NPD today and the tank is still covered under Spectra's 36 month warranty. I'll find out Tuesday when the boss man at NPD is in to see if they're going to send me a new tank. If not, I'll take it to Sims' Radiator here in Atlanta.
