The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop More gas tank help!

Well I went out to look at removing the broke off petcock on my gas tank when I noticed...while inspecting closer in better lighting...PINHOLES where I had wire brushed rust of the outside of the tank. While probing around the entire tank pretty hard with a sharp poker to check the integrity of the metal, I found about 6 pinholes. I really want to keep this original tank in the truck. Is there any way I can fill these holes and then coat the inside to make it stronger and prevent other holes? If I can fix them, I was planning on treating the outside of the tank with POR15 or something that will give a nice rock hard finish and stop the rust. What would you do???

Chris I would buy a new tank. You can get one for about 200 bucks and not worry about rust for the next several years. Sometimes it is better to go new than try to salvage the old especially when your safety is at hand. Juat my .02 worth.

I agree. If a new one is available that is the best way to go. If not take it to a radiator shop that does gas tanks. They can clean it & solder any leaks.

Ditto on the "replace tank" info. I just went through the "salvage" process. If it's got holes you've found there are a lot more lurking in spots yet to be discovered. A "restore" kit is $44. and a new tank is $129.00 from CD. Just be sure to use the correct color of teflon tape to seal up the drain plug. Several posts complain of leaks from drain plug. White tape is not designed for petroleum based liquids. I think the fuel-grade teflon tape is yellow. Just my $.02....because...

What is CD???

Too bad you are in Oregon. I have one in my garage I would give you!

46 In Progress,

Would you consider shipping it to me? I'm currently using a boat gas can in my 39. I'd really appreciate a correct gas tank, even with pin holes.

Thanks,

If they are truly just pin holes they will be easily fixed by using Redkote tank liner or another simular product. If they're much larger than a pencil lead they should be brazed shut first. The is no reason you cant re-use your original tank just because of pin holes. If you choose to clean and re-line your tank be sure to follow the instructions to the T. Those that complain about tank liners failing are those that didn't follow instructions. I've used Kreem and Redkote on different vehicles and much prefer Redkote. I buy it locally at a Bumper-To-Bumper jobber but you should be able to order it from about any parts house.

46 in Progress,

Thanks so much for the offer. Man I wish you were closer.

Tiny,

THAT is the answer I was hoping for. My tank, although there is some pitting and a few pinholes, seems much to nice to just throw away and replace with some new plastic tank. The whole idea of rebuilding and restoring my truck was just that....to rebuild and restore each part back to servicable condition. It is enjoyable to take a part (or a whole truck for that matter) that some would consider "junk" and bring it back to life both cosmetically and functionally. I dont know, maybe I should replace it with a new tank and maybe that would be the safest thing to do, but money is somewhat of an issue and I would prefer to rebuild and save as much as possible. Thanks for all the help.

I found about 10 pinholes in a 3"X 3" area and about 4 others where the strap covers it.First I put a bag of sand in the tank and shook it and turned it for about a half hour. Then I cleaned it by shaking it around with water til nothing came out of it any more. The area around the outlet for gas had the cluster so I got a piece to cover that spot and welded a new pipe in the middle and welded the patch on. I then spot welded the remaining pin holes.The bottom and the welded pinholes are not visible so after letting it dry in the sun for an hour, I painted the tank, total cost maybe $15.00 and 2 hrs work. It looks great in the truck and it does not leak. I have to save money any way I can. How much time would it take to arrange and pick up a new one/cost? How much time/cost would you have to invest in another used one? You pick, it all depends on what your needs are,in my case I want to spend my money on my family and home.My truck is just my hobbie and what I like, is doing the work .The second it's finished I will drive it and sell the last one, so I can build another one, that's part of the fun.I usually have a driver and as soon as I finish my project ,I sell the one I drive.

Hey Fla54chevy3100,
Just read your post. I never knew teflon tape came in anything but white. Can you get the yellow you mentioned at any auto parts store? That woud sure clear up several of my problems. Thanx

I know yellow is used for natural gas.

you can spend the money fixing the old tank or spend the money on a new one iv found the new one is the way to go