View Full Version : GAS TANK REPAIR (how to)


chuckdetroit
Aug 28th, 01, 09:45 AM
Ok I went to get my gas tank chem stripped, and the spout came out, I plan to put in a new sending unit but I would like to know how I go about rpairing the spout back into the tank...

Someone told me it had to be ledded back in, how do I do this? Can I use a propane torch with some pipe solder???

RickD
Aug 28th, 01, 09:54 AM
You don't want to try soldering with gas fumes around. Either take it to a radiator shop or get a new one. I replaced mine with a repro ( 1969 ) that fit fine and was under $150.

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Rick Dorion
69 RS Conv,355,M20,4.10's

chuckdetroit
Aug 28th, 01, 01:36 PM
I dont think there would be any gas fumes, it was sent out to be chemicial stripped of paint, and then it came back with a milky white rinse substance in and out of it. So there is no gass or fumes in it.. Does anyone know how to re-led the spout back on, cause its a new tank and does not need to be replaced.

Allen M
Aug 28th, 01, 01:37 PM
You can solder it using 50/50 acid core and a heavy duty soldering iron. I have one that is used for sheetmetal soldering.

Or if you have the tank dipped, just angle the tankand fill up the tank with water just below the filler neck and use a torch. Make sure you re seal the inside.

davidpozzi
Aug 28th, 01, 04:15 PM
Take it to a radiator shop and they can solder it cheap, they can also test it for leakage.
Make sure you get all the solder drippings out of it after.
David

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Check my web page for First Gen Camaro suspension info:
David's Motorsports page (http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/David_Pozzi/)
First Gen Suspension Page (http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/David_Pozzi/first_gen_suspension.htm)
67 RS 327
69 Camaro Vintage Racer
65 Lola T-70 Chev 350 Can-Am Vintage Racer

chuckdetroit
Aug 28th, 01, 07:11 PM
thanks dave, I will take it in then! It might be the better way to go to have someone that knows what they are doing do it.

thanks again!

englemac
Aug 29th, 01, 03:13 AM
I had an old tank with the same problem. I had the filler tube soldered back in by a good radiator shop. Looked like a real nice job, but only lasted for a few months until it cracked (from both the internal pressure and the constant fill ups!) and filled my garage with gas fumes. The solder just isn't as strong. Got a new one for $110 at NPD.

DjD
Aug 29th, 01, 07:16 AM
To the lay-person looks are important but some of the best looking soldering jobs I have seen didn't hold. It's called a "cold solder joint" and it doesn't hold. The surface(s) didn't get even proper heat. In the electric world a cold solder joint doesn't conduct properly as well. Englemac if your tank was soldered properly it wouldn't have cracked.

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...Dennis
'69 RS Convertible w/SS trim (http://www.camaroslimited.com/memberscars/den.htm)
'96 Z28SS #1679 of 2410 (http://www.camaroslimited.com/graphics/memcars/96ss.jpg)
"The Club" (http://camaroslimited.com)

CRUZIN67Camaro
Aug 30th, 01, 09:48 AM
Safest bet is a new repro tank $119! Fuel tank and lines are nothing to play with! One minor leak and the whole car reaks!! For the hassle and price, a new tank is well worth it!

davidpozzi
Aug 30th, 01, 12:23 PM
Usually the hard part is getting the metal to "tin".
Sometimes it isn't clean enough to get a good bond, or the temp isn't right. Too low, the solder doesn't flow fully into the joint and stick. Too hot- the solder flows into- and right out of the other end!!!

Silver brazing is the strongest, (by a lot) but will damage any zink plating due to the higher temps required.
I made my own radiator tanks out of sheet brass, and hose elbows from straight copper tube for my Lola radiator, and soldered them onto the core.

I've also done some re soldering of rad tanks on farm equipment in an emergency. It's much harder to get the solder to stick to the old used tanks, unless you do a super job of cleaning and tinning.
I'd like to hang around the radiator repair shop and pick up some tips some day when I have time.
David

------------------
Check my web page for First Gen Camaro suspension info:
David's Motorsports page (http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/David_Pozzi/)
First Gen Suspension Page (http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/David_Pozzi/first_gen_suspension.htm)
67 RS 327
69 Camaro Vintage Racer
65 Lola T-70 Chev 350 Can-Am Vintage Racer

[This message has been edited by davidpozzi (edited 08-30-2001).]

chuckdetroit
Sep 22nd, 01, 06:21 PM
Well, I tried this stuff what is in 2 parts its called Metal Weld, And there is a Hardener and another part that when mixed it is as hard as metal, that will probubbly crack and come off, but I never seen this **** before, and it seems to be as hard as a rock when its set. Its made for metal.. Anyway I will probubbly be buying a new tank myself, but they are not 150.00 I would like to know what NPD sells 69 repo for 150.00 with a spout.